What is an energy star water heater?
What is a condensing heat exchanger?
What is the difference between condensing and non-condensing water heaters?
Condensing tankless heaters use a dual heat exchanger design to make maximum use of the energy delivered to the system. Non-condensing tankless water heaters utilize a single heat exchanger so they vent more heat in the exhaust gases.
What is a condensing storage tank?
A condensing storage tank water heater offers a ready reservoir of hot water just like a conventional gas water heater but is much more efficient because of how heat is transferred from the energy source to the water.
How do I know if my water heater is condensing?
DiagnosisWipe up any water under the heater.Turn the knob on the thermostat to the pilot position.Wait 8 hours, check for water accumulation under the heater.Condensation should stop when the entire tank water is heated above approximately 115 degrees. If no water is under the heater, then it was just condensation.
Is condensing better than non-condensing?
Condensing and non-condensing boilers both burn fuel, such as gas, but the main difference is that the energy efficiency of condensing boilers is up to 99% efficient while non-condensing boilers are only up to 78% efficient.
Is a condensing hot water heater worth it?
Condensing water heaters pull heat from the exhaust, cooling it to much lower temperatures. This means cheaper materials can be used for the ventilation system. Overall efficiency in a condensing model is approximately 90 percent, which makes them one of the most efficient choices you can make.
What are three main types of storage tanks?
Types of storage tanksFixed-roof tanks.External floating roof tanks.Internal floating roof tanks.Domed external floating roof tanks.Horizontal tanks.Pressure tanks.Variable vapor space tanks.LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanks.
What does condensing mean in water?
Condensation is the process of water vapor turning back into liquid water, with the best example being those big, fluffy clouds floating over your head. And when the water droplets in clouds combine, they become heavy enough to form raindrops to rain down onto your head.
Does a condensing tankless water heater need a drain?
If you own a condensing tankless water heater, your installer should have included a drainage system to drain your water heater.
How do I know if my boiler is condensing or non condensing?
If your boiler has a metal flue, then it's most likely a non-condensing boiler. Check your drainpipe. If you can see steam coming from your flue, and if you have a white plastic pipe leading to a drain, this means you have a condensing boiler.
What do you mean by condensing?
1 : to make or become more close, compact, concise, or dense : concentrate condense a paragraph into a sentence. 2 : to change from a less dense to a denser form steam condenses into water. condense. verb.
What happens during condensing?
Condensation is the process where water vapor becomes liquid. It is the reverse of evaporation, where liquid water becomes a vapor. Condensation happens one of two ways: Either the air is cooled to its dew point or it becomes so saturated with water vapor that it cannot hold any more water.
What does condensing mode mean?
When the temperature of the water - as it returns to the boiler - is less than 54°C, the boiler will run in what is known as 'condensing mode'. This is when the boiler starts to recovers its lost heat. Even this is a sliding scale however. At 54°C the boiler is 87% efficient (in perfect testing conditions).
What is condensing unit used for?
A condenser (or AC condenser) is the outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year. Both split air conditioner and heat pump condensers are made of the same basic parts.
What does condensing mean in water?
Condensation is the process of water vapor turning back into liquid water, with the best example being those big, fluffy clouds floating over your head. And when the water droplets in clouds combine, they become heavy enough to form raindrops to rain down onto your head.
What is meant by condensing unit?
condensing unit means a component of a ''central air conditioner'' which is designed to remove heat absorbed by the refrigerant and to transfer it to the outside environment, and which consists of an outdoor coil, compressor(s), and air moving device.
What is a condensing system?
A condensing boiler is an efficient type of boiler commonly found in most homes today. The boilers are able to collect gas generated by burning fuels like gas and oil and use it to heat water entering the system, saving money and reducing carbon emissions in the process.
What is the difference between gas and liquid propane water heaters?
Natural gas is supplied to many homes in the United States by way of underground piping. Liquid Propane (LP) is used mostly in rural areas of the c...
What do I need to know before installing a high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heater?
Before purchasing a high-efficiency gas tank water heater, you should understand what type of fuel you currently have in your home, how much hot wa...
What is the difference between a gas tank water heater and a high-efficiency condensing gas tank wat...
A. O. Smith high-efficiency gas tank water heaters are built similarly to standard gas tank water heaters with some modifications for higher effici...
What size high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heater should I purchase?
The A. O. Smith line of high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters come in a range of gallon sizes and BTU/H burners. Sizing a water heater...
Why Use a Condensing Water Heater?
Whether you’re using a tank or a tankless version, a condensing water heater is extremely energy-efficient. The price you pay for installation will come back to you in energy savings over time.
How Does a Condensing Water Heater Work?
There are two types of condensing water heaters: tank and tankless. Condensing water heaters that have a tank aren’t all that different from standard water heaters.
Why Not Go Tankless?
One of the major problems with a tankless water heater is only an issue if your water heater is strictly electric. While this is great for energy-efficiency, it’s not so great when the power goes out. You have no hot water stored and you have no power…so you have no hot water. When there is a power outage, the only access to hot water you’ll have is whatever you heat up on your own.
What is tankless water heater?
In a condensing water heater design, the tankless water heater also has a second heat exchanger that reuses the exhaust gas that is used to heat the water. This creates one of the most efficient water heating systems you can possibly have, which means your utility bills will be very low compared to the price you would pay with a standard water heater.
How much energy is wasted in a condensing water heater?
The water-heating power of a condensing water heater has a greater than 90 percent efficiency rate. That’s pretty darn good. That means that less than 10 percent of the energy consumed by the water heater is lost, compared to much higher numbers with other water heater designs. Energy wasted is money wasted.
How does a fan work?
A fan drives air and fuel into a combustion chamber. Here, exhaust gas from the chamber is forced into a heat exchanger inside a water tank. This causes the water in the tank to get hot. It’s a truly brilliant design because it’s incredibly efficient.
Can you use a condensing water heater as a standard water heater?
Condensing water heaters use the same tank design as standard water heaters, which means you can substitute a standard water heater as a condensing water heater if you add a condenser. These water heaters are also designed to connect to a half-inch gas line, which is already the standard for traditional water heater gas lines.
What is a condensing water heater?
A condensing storage water heater uses a condenser to increase the efficiency of a traditional storage water tank. These models achieve a higher efficiency than a conventional tankless water heater does, but still offer the benefits of a storage tank water heater. These tanks have a fan that directs air and fuel into a sealed combustion chamber.
How long does a condensing water tank last?
While that may seem high, a condensing storage water tank has a life expectancy of about 10-15 years. With the lower operating costs and lower installation costs, a condensing storage water tank may be the right option for you. As an added bonus, throughout 2015, Gas Networks customers can take advantage of a $500 rebate on the purchase of a gas-fired condensing water heater with an efficiency rating of .95 or better.
How to contact Boston Standard Plumbing and Heating?
If you’re considering the installation of a condensing storage water heater, please contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. We can explain the benefits and costs associated with condensing storage water heaters, and help you make the best choice for your home.
How does a gas tank work?
The exhaust gas from the combustion chamber is forced through a secondary heat exchanger located inside the tank. The secondary heat exchanger delivers the “waste heat” from combustion back to the water in the tank, increasing its efficiency.
How long does a water tank last?
While that may seem high, a condensing storage water tank has a life expectancy of about 10-15 years. With the lower operating costs and lower installation costs, a condensing storage water tank may be the right option for you.
Do you need a condensate drain for a water heater?
One additional twist is that you’ll need a condensate drain for your condensing water heater. A condensing storage water heater produces condensation that collects in the flue and heat exchanger. This condensation is trapped inside the tank and drains to the outside of the tank.
Can you use a PVC flue for a water heater?
Additionally, you cannot use your existing flue to vent the remaining gases to the chimney, but a new, PVC exhaust flue is inexpensive and the exhaust run can be as long as needed to reach an outside wall. One additional twist is that you’ll need a condensate drain for your condensing water heater. A condensing storage water heater produces ...
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater supplies hot water on demand. This is in contrast to a traditional heater, which heats water and then stores it in a tank. When hot water is needed, water flows through the system’s heat exchanger, as this uses combustion to heat the water.
Why do we need a condensing tankless water heater?
Pro: Condensing Systems Are Space-Saving. One of the main reasons why condensing tankless water heaters are purchased is because they are space-saving. Traditional water heaters and hybrid water heaters both utilize tanks, which means both can take up a lot of space. Therefore, one is limited in where they can put a traditional or hybrid system, ...
Why are tankless water heaters called closed systems?
Condensing tankless water heaters are unique because they recycle the extra heat they produce in the process of heating water. These systems only release the vapors they produce when these vapors can no longer be utilized for the heating process. For this reason, condensing water heaters are referred to as closed systems.
What are the different types of tankless water heaters?
There are two main kinds of tankless water heaters, and they are condensing heaters and non-condensing heaters . While condensing heaters will be the main focus of this article, non-condensing heaters will be mentioned a few times for the purpose of comparison.
Why are tankless water heaters so popular?
Tankless heaters became popular because they are incredibly efficient and much more affordable when compared to traditional water heaters. Traditional heaters are large and expensive, whereas tankless heaters are cost-effective and space-saving. There are two main kinds of tankless water heaters, and they are condensing heaters ...
How long does a tankless water heater last?
If properly taken care of, a condensing tankless water heater can last more than 20 years . One must consider, however, that condensing tankless water heaters utilize a lot of components, and at any point one of these can give out—because of wear and tear—and render the system inoperable.
How does a condensing water heater work?
Condensing water heaters cool gasses inside themselves, and at the same time they collect condensation. Once this condensation is neutralized, it is safely drained from the system.
What is a Smith gas water heater?
A. O. Smith high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters operate using the same technology as a standard gas storage water heater and are just as easy to install . The water heater maintains a tank of hot water available for immediate use. As hot water is drawn out of the tank, it is refilled with cold water. The electronic controls monitor the water temperature and reheat the tank when necessary.
What is a Smith high efficiency water heater?
A. O. Smith’s line of high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters are the high performance answer for your hot water needs. These models are built to save energy with a helical heat exchanger to maximize efficiency and distribute heat more evenly than standard gas water heaters. Find out which high-efficiency condensing gas water heater is right for you.
What is the difference between a gas water heater and a gas water heater?
This reduces the amount of wasted heat and reduces total energy use.
How long does a Smith water heater last?
A. O. Smith high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters are built to last with limited warranties that range from 6 to 10 years to ensure that your home has hot water for years to come.
What is a condensing water heater?
A condensing water heater generally uses a different type of venting and requires a floor drain to dispose of condensate. A plumbing contractor can assist in helping you choose a water heater that fits your needs, or you can use the A. O. Smith online XPERT™ Product Selector to help determine which water heater is best for your home. ...
Where is natural gas supplied?
Natural gas is supplied to many homes in the United States by way of underground piping. Liquid Propane (LP) is used mostly in rural areas of the country, where natural gas is not available. LP gas is usually stored in large tanks that sit in your yard. The gas is delivered to your home in a tanker truck and pumped into the tank sitting in the yard. Most A. O. Smith gas water heaters are available from the factory in either gas type liquid propane or natural gas. Both fuel sources can provide consistent hot water for your home.
Do gas water heaters need vents?
Gas water heaters require venting upon installation. Learn more about how to choose the correct vent type for your home.
How Does a Tankless Condensing Water Heater Work?
When you need hot water, cold water comes in from the inlet at the bottom of the heater. It ignites a flame in the two heat exchangers in the condensing tankless water heater. The water is heated as it passes through the secondary heat exchangers. Any latent heat is recaptured before it goes to the vent system.
Are Condensing Water Heaters Ideal for Large Families?
Condensing water heaters are ideal for either large or small families because they come in all sizes. A small family of 3 can benefit from a small condensing water heater. However, condensing water heaters have an outflow rate of 9 gallons per minute, while some have up to 11 gallons per minute, making them the perfect heating appliance for a 4-bathroom house.
What Does UEF For Condensing Water Heaters Mean?
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is a standard efficiency measure for water heaters. It allows retailers to compare water heaters using a base number. Every water heater is now required to have a UEF rating.
What is the purpose of neutralizing water heaters?
The agent, in turn, protects the pipes and guarantees your tankless water heater a long lifespan.
How does a condensing tankless water heater work?
Condensing tankless water heaters produce hot water as long as the cold water inlet is open. It circulates and recirculates water within the system , making sure very little is wasted. Most of the condensate that is a by-product is used in the heater instead of getting lost in the vent.
What is a tankless water heater?
However, the technology is different. A tankless water heater supplies you with continuous hot water without the added bulk of a tank. A condensing tankless water heater differs from a non-condensing by utilizing excess heat through another heat exchanger in the heating compartment.
Why do tankless water heaters waste less energy?
Condensing tankless water heaters waste less energy because they recycle residual heat, produce negligible amounts of waste, and any waste is safely disposed into low-cost drainage systems. Most units come with an Energy Star to show they meet the criteria for environmentally-friendly, cost-saving appliances.
How Does A Condensate Tank Work?
A condensate tank is the collection tank in which all returning condensate is collected . There are three reasons we want to collect and use condensate returns:
How does a condensate tank supplement work?
Make-up or feedwater is added using a solenoid valve. If water drops below a sensor in the tank, the valve opens allowing more make-up water to be added. Make-up water is cold, so a steam preheater is used along with steam sparging to bring the water up to a higher temperature.
What is sparging system?
A sparging system is a steel tube with hundreds of holes drilled into it at different angles. It sits inside and runs the length of the condensate tank. Steam is then injected into the water through the pipe that is submerged in the tank. This preheats and helps to remove oxygen and carbon dioxide from the water before it is fed into the boiler or DA. This is not used in all tanks.
Why is condensate important in steam boilers?
They are an important part of the steam system because it increases the overall efficiency of the boiler. The returned condensate is responsible for preheating the fresh make-up water to compensate for any lost water volume. This reduces the amount of energy needed to transform water into steam and results in lower operating/utility costs.
Where is the condensate tank located?
They are typically located near the boiler and their size is determined by the steam load on a system.
Do condensate tanks need maintenance?
Condensate tanks themselves require very little maintenance. You should inspect the internals of the tank annually for signs of corrosion and clean the unit on the same schedule. If there are any visible leaks that appear they should be addressed immediately. In addition, if insulation is showing signs of damage be sure to repair or replace it.
How efficient are water heaters?
In a perfect world, water heaters would be 100 percent efficient: Every Btu they consumed would be turned into hot water that was available for use. Of course, this never happens. Instead, heat is lost up the flue, and storage models contend with standby losses — which refers to the gas consumed by a pilot light (if there is one) and the heat lost through the jacket of the tank.Apples and oranges. Under federal law, different efficiency standards apply to different kinds of heaters. Storage heaters with inputs at or under 75,000 Btu and tankless models at or under 199,000 Btu are consid-ered to be residential models and fall within the scope of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA), which requires heaters to be rated on the basis of energy factor (EF). Units with inputs greater than these are considered to be commercial units and fall under the Energy Policy Act (EPACT), which requires heaters to be rated on the basis of thermal efficiency (TE). It’s illegal for manufacturers to put TE ratings on a residential models or EF ratings on com-mercial ones. This presents a problem: EF and TE are so different that there is no way to use them to make an apples-to-apples comparison between residential and commercial models.
How does a tankless heater work?
When a tankless heater’s flow sen-sor detects a demand for hot water, it activates a vent fan and a burner that heats water as it passes through a heat exchanger. The burner will not be activated at flows less than about 0.5 gpm, and once activated, it takes 5 to 10 seconds for the flow to go from cold to hot. If the drain is open, that several seconds of flow results in wasted water. A recircula-tion pump can reduce the amount of waste, but most recirculation systems are not directly compat-ible with tankless heaters.
What is the difference between a high efficiency water heater and a high efficiency water heater?
This increases efficiency and lowers operating cost. High-efficiency water heaters generally boast higher BTU inputs, which allows the heater to deliver more hot water.
What size gas tank for a water heater?
State offers sizes that range from a 34- to 75-gallon (nominal) tank capacity and BTU ranges from 76,000 BTU to 199,000 BTU. We recommend that you use the State online XPERT ™ Product Selector to determine the exact water heater needs for your everyday needs.
What is a high efficiency gas tank water heater?
State high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters capture excess exhaust heat and transfer it back into the water to save on energy costs.
Where is the hot water pushed out of a gas tank?
The cold water is heated at the bottom of the tank, and hot water is pushed out through the outlet connection. However, because of State's commitment to seeking water heater innovation, high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters are built with a helical internal heat exchanger rather than a straight pipe.
Where is natural gas stored?
Many homes in the United States receive natural gas in their homes via underground piping. Rural areas use liquid propane (LP) stored in large tanks in your yard, because natural gas is typically unavailable in these areas. The liquid propane is delivered to your home and pumped into the storage tank. Most State gas water heaters come ...
What to know before buying a water heater?
You should understand what type of fuel you currently have in your home, how much hot water you use on a daily basis, and where your current water heater is installed.
Can you use propane in a water heater?
The liquid propane is delivered to your home and pumped into the storage tank. Most State gas water heaters come from the factory designed for either liquid propane or natural gas-both can provide hot water for your home with ease.
What is an energy star water heater?
An ENERGY STAR ® certified storage tank water heater with condensing technology operates much like a conventional gas hot water tank but with technology enhancements designed to increase energy efficiency and durability.
What is a condensing heat exchanger?
A condensing heat exchanger has more surface area than a conventional non-condensing heat exchanger, enabling water condensation from flue gases. This process captures more heat, greatly improving efficiency. They also have more efficient burners, heat exchangers and better insulation. Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you ...
