New Commercial Water Heaters Ask Chuck Appleby, president of Old Lyme, CT-based Appleby Plumbing Co. if he recalls an emergency job. One he quickly remembers began with an urgent, Christmas day plea from a restauranteur who needed half a million BTUs of water heating at the height of their businest season (see sidebar story). Appleby Read more
Water Heaters
New Commercial Water Heaters
Ask Chuck Appleby, president of Old Lyme, CT-based Appleby Plumbing Co. if he recalls an emergency job. One he quickly remembers began with an urgent, Christmas day plea from a restauranteur who needed half a million BTUs of water heating at the height of their businest season (see sidebar story).
Appleby was there on site within 30 minutes. While studying their need for hot water he discovered that the old, leaking beast was sized for peak load, making it at least 20 percent too large 90 percent of the time. The big, atmospheric system could be replaced by a 400 MBH condensing unit that would be smaller in size, a whole lot less expensive to operate and – if need be – could be coupled with a smaller indirect water heater to meet peak loads.
The new water heater, which offered a much greater recovery rate, was also a lot less burdensome to install than the old one, not requiring the large, ducted air vent. The new system, a condensing water heater, would require only a 3-inch PVC air intake and a 3-inch PVC flue gas discharge. “A piece of cake,” said Appleby while marveling the extraordinary efforts taken (and expense) to install the intricate air passageway for the unit that would soon be replaced.
“The new unit’s sealed combustion is a huge benefit for restaurant jobs, eliminating all concern about one of the trickiest challenges with commercial facilities where food is prepared,” added Appleby. “Large ventilation hoods are notoriusly adept at stealing combustion air from atmospherically-fired systems. Those days – thanks to new, sealed combustion technology – may soon be gone.”
Appleby’s experience with the system he replaced is illustrative of the way water heating technology has changed in just the past couple of years. Not long ago, contractors, engineers and building owners were routinely challenged by an inability to easily place and locate commercial water heaters. The limitations of atmospherically-vented systems, facility design, aesthetics and close proximity to other buildings all factored-in.
Today it’s not uncommon for facility managers, late in the game, to express an aversion to visible venting, based purely on aesthetic reasons. This is especially true in historic districts.
Fortunately, many of the obstacles to easy placement of water heaters – at least those tied to building design and construction – are overcome with the emergence of new water heater systems, making it much easier to achieve manufacturer-specified combustion air or venting runs.
The arsenal of commercial water heater products and associated technology has grown considerably, availing a wide range of fuel, venting and combustion air options. There are also many new application-friendly components and techniques to enable trouble-free specification and installation, though – with the new, green systems – a few new needs emerge.
Higher efficiency, condensing systems are great for end-users in terms of energy consumed, chiefly because they harvest heat from waste condensate. The energy advantage requires modest design and installation changes to meet the need for condensate treatment and drainage. This may translate to an inability to use existing venting if the original water heater was atmospherically vented, and the availability of electricity. Some systems require hard-wiring; other commercial systems need only a simple wall plug-in.
Condensate drainage is a likely necessity. Often, fluids to be drained are too acidic for metal drain lines. Routing the condensate through a simple, lime-bed acid neutralizer may solve the problem easily. Better yet: CPVC or PVC drain lines can handle the acidity. Condensate typically has a pH of 4.0, about that of Coka-Cola – just enough to attack any metal it connects with. Over time, the cumulative effect of exposure to acidic runoff threatens the integrity of the drain lines.
Venting. If new, high-efficiency water heaters are planned as a retrofit, existing, single-wall B-vent must be replaced in favor of PVC, CPVC or ABS plastic. The majority of venting lines are three or four inches in diameter, precisely matched to the design requirements of new blower motor assemblies that discharge from the top of water heaters.
Plastic vent materials are inexpensive and easy to work with, and yet present no compromise in safety or performance. Some new water heater systems have the ability to vent through the roof and pull air in for combustion through the wall; this is a big advantage. The need to improve flexibility of installation and placement has driven the development of power, power direct vent; through-roof and side-wall venting options.
Finally, if the application offers abundant atmospheric combustion air, some water heater models require only one pipe: for venting.
Multi-story and high-rise installations challenge traditional venting. High efficiency water heaters often can accommodate to long venting runs. Often, there’s no need to run vertical venting all the way to the roof, requiring a roof penetration. Many systems are now just as well served with side-wall venting.
New codes are forcing all of us to be attentive to a broad range of emerging requirements. National, state and local codes are changing in the wake of the green movement’s more stringent environmental policies and initiatives. Among the applicable national codes is the need for water heater system over 199,999 MBH to be ASME-certified.
Historic settings are commonly guarded by restrictions that regulate the presence and appearance of modern building systems and attachments (i.e., wire, regulators, transformers and venting). In fact, the presence of old and unsightly or loud venting systems has actually encouraged the replacement of aging atmospheric water heaters.
Case in point: New system shaves cost of operation
Recently, Appleby received an emergency replacement call from the 232-year-old Griswold Inn, founded in 1776 near the banks of the Connecticut River and nestled among many other old and beautifully preserved buildings.
The Inn needed a substantial overhaul brought on by the sudden death of an eight year-old, half million BTU commercial water heater, the only source of domestic hot water for the Gris’ award-winning kitchen.
“Of course, the old Inn wasn’t built to accommodate modern mechanical systems,” said Appleby. “He specified a new, 400 MBH, LP-fired, high-efficiency eF water heater by Bradford White to replace the quickly deteriorating system installed by another firm.
The water heater they replaced had required a 12-inch stainless steel draft hood and chimney. “Too bad they had to spend that kind of money on a water heater with such a short life span,” said Appleby. “The new system we installed requires only a simple, four-inch PVC stack, and at 98% efficiency, would cost them a whole lot less to operate. The key advantage was the new, condensing unit’s super-high recovery rate. Because we could heat so much more water, we were able to size it at 100,000 fewer BTUs, a move that also had a huge impact in their fuel consumption.”
Another attribute is that there are no stack losses because the new system is equipped with sealed combustion and uses both PVC exhaust and combustion air lines. The water heater also offered several venting options, electronic controls, four protective magnesium anode rods, a sediment reduction system and factory-installed dielectric fittings.
Considering the sad waste of resources on the stainless steel stack, which Appleby left in place, he devised a plan that gave it new purpose. “We used it as an intake air ventilation duct to cool the restaurant’s large refrigeration equipment,” he said. “They had a growing problem there because the equipment had been running hot, and this was consuming electricity [highest, by far, of all energy sources in the state] at an alarming rate. Typically, the air around the refrigeration systems was 120 to 130 degrees, year-round. Using the 12-inch duct to bring fresh air in, we were able to get those temperatures down substantially.”
“The biggest benefit of all was in the energy savings,” concluded Appleby. “Today, no one can responsibly afford to waste energy.”
10 Noritz Tankless Water Heater Models Now Featured in Autodesk Seek® Library Access to residential and commercial tankless water heaters in library database makes specifying jobs easier for architects, engineers and other design professionals. FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF. (FEBRUARY 20, 2014) — Design professionals in the residential and commercial construction industry can now specify Noritz Read more
10 Noritz Tankless Water Heater Models Now Featured in Autodesk Seek® Library
Access to residential and commercial tankless water heaters in library database makes specifying jobs easier for architects, engineers and other design professionals.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF. (FEBRUARY 20, 2014) — Design professionals in the residential and commercial construction industry can now specify Noritz tankless water heaters using Autodesk Seek®, an online source for product specifications and building information modeling (BIM) for building design. The site now features 10 Noritz products in its database library.
With access to the three of Noritz’s most widely specified commercial tankless water heaters and seven of its most popular residential units, design professionals are able to download BIM files, models, drawings and product specifications during their active design sessions.
Noritz tankless models that are currently available in the library database include:
NCC1991-OD Commercial Tankess Water Heater
proTOUGH NR981-SV Residential Tankless Water Heater
proTOUGH NR981-OD Residential Tankless Water Heater
NC380 Commercial Tankless Water Heater
proTOUGH NR981-DVC Residential Tankless Water Heater
ecoTOUGH NRC1111-DV Residential Tankless Water Heater
ecoTOUGH NRC1111-OD Residential Tankless Water Heater
ecoTOUGH NRC661-DV Residential Tankless Water Heater
NCC1991-DV Commercial Tankless Water Heater
ecoTOUGH NRC661-OD Residential Tankless Water Heater
With the ability to quickly search either by model number or product name, Noritz products can be embedded directly into the search bar of major design software used by roughly 80% of the industry—including Autodesk® Revit®, AutoCAD®, and Autodesk Design Review.
“Our goal is to make it easier for architects, engineers, contractors and other professional designers to specify, design or build with Noritz tankless water heaters,” says Jason Fleming, Marketing Manager for Noritz America. “Having the products readily available in Autodesk Seek gives these professionals quick access to information that they would otherwise have to create themselves. They can simply embed the specified products into the design software, saving them time and reducing their hassle factor.”
For more information on the full line of Noritz tankless water heating products, visit www.noritz.com. You can also telephone us at 866.766.7489 or e-mail us at support@noritz.com.
via 10 Noritz Tankless Water Heater Models Now Featured in Autodesk Seek® Library.
Eemax and EcoSmart Align to Grow Green Energy Heating Services Eemax, the nation’s leading manufacturer of commercial, industrial and residential electric tankless water heaters, acquires EcoSmart, a fast- growing consumer brand for residential electric tankless water heaters based in Miami. “Adding to our team of proven experts, this acquisition will further Eemax’s position as the Read more
Eemax and EcoSmart Align to Grow Green Energy Heating Services
Eemax, the nation’s leading manufacturer of commercial, industrial and residential electric tankless water heaters, acquires EcoSmart, a fast- growing consumer brand for residential electric tankless water heaters based in Miami.
“Adding to our team of proven experts, this acquisition will further Eemax’s position as the leading solutions provider in water heating,” said Kevin Ruppelt, CEO of Eemax. “It’s an exciting new chapter for both Eemax and EcoSmart as we integrate the two organizations into a high-performing, customer-centric team.”
Eemax and EcoSmart are proven innovators in their respective fields. Going forward, development efforts will benefit greatly from the two brands highly collabrative nature, which will strengthen the combined capabilities to further the goal to make tankless technology the mainstream method for residential water heaters. EcoSmart will contribute to Eemax’s continued growth by expanding its customer base as well as increasing the company’s product portfolio.
“We are thrilled to work with Eemax. By combining resources we can more effectively reach our shared goal of providing our customers with innovative solutions that meet their hot water heating needs while saving money, energy and space,” said EcoSmart CEO Nick Cardoso.
Led by Kevin Ruppelt, president and CEO, Eemax’s facility in Waterbury, Conn. will serve as the company headquarters while EcoSmart business and distribution will continue out of Miami.
About Eemax
Eemax is the top supplier of electric tankless water heaters in the United States, as well as serving 30 additional countries worldwide through the plumbing wholesale distribution channel. Located in Waterbury, Conn., Eemax’s patented green water heating technology has revolutionized the industry by delivering a continuous supply of hot water at a preset temperature with 99 percent energy efficiency. Visit www.eemax.com for more information.
About EcoSmart
Ecosmart is a manufacturer of green energy technology based out of Miami. EcoSmart’s mission is to produce and distribute quality green energy products that are practical, efficient and economical, aiding consumers in saving money, energy and water. Visit www.ecosmartus.com for more information.
via Eemax and EcoSmart Align to Grow Green Energy Heating Services | Eemax.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF. (JANUARY 14, 2014) — Noritz America has expanded its ecoTOUGH and ValueSolutions tankless water heater series with three new models offering several performance-enhancing advantages: a new, 12-year heat exchanger three times more durable in its ability to resist scale buildup; new scale-detection software that minimizes leaks by indicating when it’s time to Read more
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF. (JANUARY 14, 2014) — Noritz America has expanded its ecoTOUGH and ValueSolutions tankless water heater series with three new models offering several performance-enhancing advantages:
a new, 12-year heat exchanger three times more durable in its ability to resist scale buildup;
new scale-detection software that minimizes leaks by indicating when it’s time to de-scale (flush) the system;
a compact design with an integral readout window, permitting basic servicing without the need for a remote device. Located at the lower right of the front panel, the small display indicates flow rates, temperature and common error codes.
“The scale detection software and the integral display window are designed to alert homeowners and service contractors of scale buildup within the unit,” explains Noritz marketing manager Jason Fleming. “The main benefit of this early alert system is proactive leak prevention, of course. But thanks to the more durable heat exchanger, these units won’t need to be flushed as often to assure a ready and abundant supply of hot water for the household.”
Noritz began shipping the new models – the NR501, NR662 and NRC711 – nationwide in early January.
NR501: A hot water solution for one-bath homes in warmer climates, this strictly outdoor unit (photo above, left) has an Energy Factor of 0.86 for natural gas (NG) and 0.85 for liquid propane (LP). Part of the ValueSolutions series of gas-fired residential tankless water heaters, the Noritz NR501 carries the following specifications.
Input range: 15,000 – 120,000 BTU per hour (BTUh)
Flow rate: 0.5 – 5 gallons per minute (gpm)
Gas-line connection: 1/2-inch gas line connection
NR662: Designed to handle all hot water needs of one-and-a-half-bath homes in warmer climates, this more powerful ValueSolutions unit (middle) is also strictly for outdoor installation. With an Energy Factor of 0.85 for NG and 0.87 for LP, the NR662 carries the following specifications.
Input range: 15,000 – 140,000 BTUh
Flow rate: 0.5 – 6.6 (gpm)
Gas-line connection: 3/4-inch
NRC711: Offering temperature settings from 100°F to 140°F for two-bath residences, NRC711 (right) stresses high-efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. Consistent with the rest of the ecoTOUGH series of gas-fired condensing tankless water heaters, the NRC711 has an Energy Factor of 0.94 for both NG and LP, and is available in both indoor and outdoor units.
For the indoor direct-vent (DV) model, condensing technology permits venting with installer-friendly, three-inch PVC or CPVC pipe, which is less expensive than the Category III Stainless Steel venting required by conventional tankless units. The zero-clearance plastic piping enables longer vent runs – up to 62 linear feet – and therefore greater installation flexibility at a lower cost.
Input range: 15,000 – 157,000 BTUh
Flow rate: 0.5 – 6.6 (gpm)
Gas-line connection: 3/4-inch
Exhaust type: Direct vent (convertible to single-vent)
The NR501, NR662 and NRC711 models also include the following important features:
Low minimum input of only 15,000 BTUh, which is perfect for warm weather climates because it allows the unit to receive incoming water that is already warm.
Accessible technical data sheet: To assist both installers and service technicians, Noritz has located the Technical Data Sheet, showing all the error codes and their respective solutions, right inside the unit’s front cover. “The trades person no longer needs to call Noritz,” comments Fleming. “The troubleshooting solutions are right at his fingertips.”
Equipped with the advanced technology of the fully modulating, low-NOx Eco-Burner™ with a nitrogen-oxide emissions level of 20 parts per million, the NR501, NR662 and NRC711 fully comply with the new South Coast Air Quality Management District regulations. The Eco-Burner delivers superior temperature control, eliminating the need for a buffer tank to stabilize the temperature. This, in turn, removes another potential source of standby heat loss, thus maintaining system efficiency.
All three models carry a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger and five years on all parts.
For more information on the NR501-OD, NR662-OD, NRC711-DV and NRC711-OD tankless water heaters, visit Noritz Technical Support at support.noritz.com.
NORITZ AMERICA CORPORATION, a subsidiary of Noritz Japan, has corporate offices in Fountain Valley, Calif., and Atlanta, offering a full line of tankless water heaters to meet the hot water demands of residential and commercial applications. Noritz supports its products with a national network of skilled representatives and employees who are committed to providing the finest products and services to our communities by helping consumers live in a more comfortable, efficient and healthy lifestyle. For more information on Noritz America and the entire line of Noritz’s ENERGY STAR® tankless water heaters, please call (877) 986-6748 or visit our website at www.noritz.com.
Rheem Acquires Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) Acquisition enables Rheem to expand its product line and grow the HTPG brand ATLANTA—Dec. 4, 2013–Atlanta-based Rheem has acquired Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) of Scottsboro, Ala., from Monomoy Capital Partners. Rheem is a manufacturer of heating, cooling, water heating and pool/spa heating products for both residential and Read more
Rheem Acquires Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG)
Acquisition enables Rheem to expand its product line and grow the HTPG brand
ATLANTA—Dec. 4, 2013–Atlanta-based Rheem has acquired Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) of Scottsboro, Ala., from Monomoy Capital Partners. Rheem is a manufacturer of heating, cooling, water heating and pool/spa heating products for both residential and commercial applications. HTPG is a manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment for the foodservice, food retail and other non-consumable markets.
“The acquisition is strategic for Rheem, and HTPG’s employees and customers will benefit from the partnership,” said JR Jones, president and CEO, Rheem. “Heat transfer technology is core to every product that both companies manufacture. Rheem and HTPG have the opportunity to combine an extensive knowledge of heat transfer technology to develop innovative new products.”
One of Rheem’s immediate goals is to reinvigorate the HTPG brand with significant product development. Rheem has made a considerable investment in integrating advanced electronic controls into its products, ultimately driving more efficient and better performing systems. The company will engage its capability of electronic controls into the development of future HTPG products.
In addition, Rheem has an international business presence in 13 countries, and distributes its products to 75 countries. Globally, there’s a demand for HTPG’s products, and—with Rheem’s reach—the company is in a prime position to export these U.S.-made products to new customers in international markets not presently served by HTPG.
“A number of Rheem customers sell heating, cooling, water heating and refrigeration products, and many of them are also HTPG’s customers,” added Jones. “Aligning Rheem and HTPG will be a strong combination due to the common customers served and both companies having excellent reputation for quality and reliability.”
HTPG will be a standalone division of Rheem, much like Rheem’s Raypak and Replacement Parts divisions, and its manufacturing operations will remain in Scottsboro. Rheem uses lean manufacturing techniques at all of its facilities throughout North America. The company will further optimize the HTPG facility in Scottsboro for increased effectiveness.
About Rheem (www.rheem.com)
Rheem is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta and U.S. operations in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana, North Carolina and Texas. In its 88th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar and hybrid heat pump water heaters; whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters; indoor air-purification products; and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company’s premium brands, including Rheem, Raypak, Ruud and Richmond have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality.
via Rheem News – Rheem Acquires Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG).