Water Heaters

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 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.

via Noritz Expands Tankless Residential Offering by Three Units, For Small to Midsized, Whole-House Applications.

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).

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. – Leading water heater manufacturer A. O. Smith has announced the launch of its newest hybrid electric water heater, the Voltex® 50-Gallon Heat Pump, as an extension of the existing Voltex line.

As an ENERGY STAR® qualified product, the 50-gallon Voltex is the most energy-efficient heat pump water heater on the market. With an energy factor of 2.75, homeowners can save an average of $350 per year compared with standard electric models. The Voltex is truly user friendly, with an easy to use electronic interface, multiple operating modes to meet homeowner needs and quiet operation.

This new residential product meets plumbing code regulations for three bedroom homes with a 67.5 gallon first-hour delivery. Further benefits include a washable and reusable air filter and a SmartPort connection that allows homeowners to connect with future home management and utility smart grid applications.

“A. O. Smith prides itself on being the leader in the industry,” said A. O. Smith Marketing Director David Chisolm, “and we strive to provide the best technology on the market. Conserving energy and saving money is important to our customers, which makes the 50-gallon Voltex Heat Pump Water Heater a great choice for residential application.”

About A. O. Smith

A. O. Smith Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters. A. O. Smith offers its customers an additional competitive advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and field supports the world’s broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by more than 70 years of research and innovation. For more information, visit www.hotwater.com. For the most up-to-date industry news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

via A. O. Smith | Innovation has a name.