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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Table
of Contents
• How does the gas version
heat the water on demand so quickly?
•
Will a WaiWela
tankless water heater run 3 showers at once?
•
I have
3 bathrooms and normal appliances, will a tankless unit keep up?
•
What is
the main difference between a Takagi TK2 and a WaiWela?
•
I would
like to install two units, what do you recommend in my situation?
•
I use propane
to heat my home, will a WaiWela work for me?
•
I'm using
propane to heat my home, do you recommend a gas or electric unit?
•
Why is this unit
[the Waiwela PH28RIFS more expensive] than Aquastar?
•
I
am upgrading from the PH6 to the PH12, what will I need to change?
•
Do any
of the Stiebel Eltron models use 115 vac @ 30amps?
•
I'm
remodeling and will have a 2 bath , kitchen, and washroom. Is a Stiebel Eltron DHC 10-2 right for me?
•
We
are replacing the tank type water heaters in three homes, what can you recommend?
•
How
loud are the heater when they're running?
•
I
have a coin-op laundromat, what is the best setup for my situation?
•
I
am looking for a heater that can operate at 3gpm at 120degrees. what do you recommend?
•
I
need an electric unit that does not need to be in the basement, can you recommend a unit?
•
Can the PH28ROF be isntalled outside in a nothern area like Washington DC?
•
Which electric tankless water heater will work in my RV?
•
I'm looking for a solar tankless water heater, which model would you recommend?
For questions about our company (return policy, dealers, etc.) please click
here.
Tankless water heaters seem like a good
idea for my home. I'm trying to understand how the gas version can heat the water on demand so quickly.
Can you please explain? Thank you.
The tankless gas water heater has higher gas input
ratings. The amount of gas used is related to the incoming water temperature and the volume of water moving
through the heater. The burner modulates accordingly. As we have sold tankless for over 25 years, we explain
the heat exchange efficiency as follows:
The gas is passed through many finely calibrated orifices and then a stainless steel burner that mixes
gas with air and distributes the flame over the complete expanse of the heat exchanger which is constructed
as a copper fin tube heat exchanger with maximized copper surface area that allows maximum heat transfer
efficiency. Big Btu's and efficient combustion yield excellent results.
When you think of a tank type water heater, think of primitive people sitting around a fire with a iron
caldron suspended over the fire. They wait for the water to get hot.
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We have the possibility of running
three showers at once and I was wondering if the Waiwela would supply that
need. Do you have any thoughts or ideas on this?
Lose the tank! After 25 years of selling tankless,
I see no reason to cling to a technology that is radically inefficient. We are the only country on the
planet that uses tanks. I always ask: Do you leave your car running all night for the morning drive to
work? Why heat the water while you sleep? I am passionately against tanks. If tankless water heaters replaced
tanks, we would greatly reduce our nation's gas consumption.
Where are you located, as to how cold is your incoming water? At 60-70F incoming water temperature the
Waiwela tankless water heater will produce enough hot water for 3 showers at
the same time. At 40-50F incoming water temperature it will produce do 2 showers at the same time.
We have sold many units for applications like yours. Think it over, ask more questions as they arise and
we are happy to help you make an intelligent decision.
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I am interested in a tankless system. Below is
the response that I received from the Superintendent of City of Seattle. My house has 3 bathrooms, normal
appliances i.e. washers and such. No hot tub. Will the Waiwela keep up? Thanks
"Tankless hot water heaters, also sometimes
called 'demand' water heaters, heat water instantly as a household needs it when they turn on a tap. As
a consequence, this type of water heater doesn't need a storage tank. This kind of water heater can save
energy because it doesn't have to keep 50 gallons of water hot all the time."
Most gas tank type water heaters lose 6F degrees
per hour because they have a flue sucking the btu's out of the stored hot water. Standby losses of gas
tank type account for much more energy loss than an electric which is a sealed vessel, no flue.
I say visit www.gamanet.org
and study the energy factors of tank type water heaters. This is a site sponsored by the folks that build
the antique appliances that we all are familiar with. They explain everything in detail. I look at the
energy factor as efficiency and I believe that they do not and can not compute the standby loss as a single
person has greater standby loss (as they are seldom home using hot water) than a family of four. Therefore
true efficiency is worse for smaller families than larger families with tanks. So I figure that the energy
factors would be lower than published if standby losses were computed into the number.
Tankless water heaters do NOT have standby losses
and the Waiwela has a true energy factor of 0.82. As far as high energy usage
when is use. The Waiwela only uses the energy needed to raise the water temperature of the water you are
flowing through the hot tap (the Waiwela does not go to full btu input to allow you to wash hands at a
lav sink). If you lower the flow or have preheated water, then the energy used will be reduced. When the
tap is closed, you use ZERO energy.
The tankless water heater is the standard outside
the U.S. That is so because of higher energy costs outside the U.S. Why defend wasteful technology?
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Can you tell me the main difference between the
Takagi TK2 and WaiWela? We have 4,000 sq. ft house, family of 5 with 3.5 bathrooms and have a 75 gallon
standard gas heater now that I would like to replace with a tankless. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Here are the OPTIONAL items you would need to buy from
Takagi to bring a T-K2 to equal features standard on the INDOOR
WaiWela:
Part # & price
Wall mounting brackets: TK-BK01 $26.00
Temperature controller: TK-RE02 $149.00
Draft Backflow Preventer: TK-TV03 $46.00
Additionally, the INDOOR WaiWela comes with a 10-, 110VAC power cord. Takagi units are all hard wired.
The only benefit of the T-K2 over the Waiwela
is that the T-K2 is lower priced by $30.
Here are the benefits of the Waiwela over the T-K2:
1. The Takagi product does not have a true outdoor model, they take the indoor model and install a TK-TV04
on top, cost is $47.00.
2. More btu's/hr +15,000 btus/hr more with the Waiwela. Means more hot water.
3. T-K2 is factory set at 120F. The T-K2 remote temperature controller is extra $149. The Waiwela comes
with bath wired remote controller that includes diagnostic function. The Waiwela diagnostics include greater
detail.
4. Besides that, the WaiWela/Paloma model PH28R comes with two unique safety features, one that protects
the residents and the environment from high levels of carbon monoxide, the other is a better system of
sensing overheating. The first safety feature monitors flue gas emissions and specifically will shut the
unit down, if it can not operate at 200 ppm CO or lower. The second safety feature is called the film
type overheat sensor which envelopes the combustion chamber.
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We are looking for one unit for the 2 baths, d/w,
washer, and a single unit for master bath (farthest from existing tank)
1. What would pricing be on two appropriate units?
2. Do you have recommended installers in our area (Boca Raton, FL)
3. What is estimated installation for these two units (one would require running 60 amp line 70 feet to
main bath for single unit)
Thanks Rick
...the largest electric tankless will allow the equivalent
of two showers at the same time. We do not tell you which unit is the most appropriate because that decision
is yours. We describe the units that we offer at www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
and we can answer your specific technical questions at (800)873-3507 , ext. 1, 4, or 7.
Largest electric tankless is the Stiebel Eltron, 36kW, model Tempra 36 requiring 180 amps dedicated (three
60 amp breakers) service at 220v... The Tempra 36 is capable of two showers at once. Series
Two is the next size EEMAX at 19kw, 100 amps, 220v. The model 190T will allow one major shower + lav
with entering water above 60F. Maybe two low flow showers.
From here our site is complete with
prices and details. All heaters are smaller capacity than the above heaters none are suitable for 110v.
The 12kw Tempra 12 is next, Stiebel
Eltron (GREAT VALUE) and German made.
We do not have an installer to name nor do we know installation cost as it would totally depend on what
you choose and what your current electric system has for capacity.
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I use propane to fuel my heat for my home. It is
a 3/4" line. The source is a 500 gallon propane tank. Will this work for the Waiwela? Secondly, is the
installation something a plumber can do without any experience with these types of systems?
Yes the 3/4" will work for the Waiwela
but please consult www.tanklesswaterheaters.com, click on sizing tables
and look at LP Gas and determine the length of the run to the water heater and the total btu's of all
other appliances drawing from this 3/4" line. Call you propane seller. Any handyman can do the install.
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I am [remodeling] a house on the river 3br 2bath
we have propane heat. What size and type would I need? Either propane or electric.
Definitely Propane. Current models with NO PILOT are:
INFINION 105,000 BTU/hour
and the Waiwela models (Indoor & Outdoor).
Infinion uses two D cells no 110v power required. The Waiwela offers two models both use LPG with 110v
spark and power venting, can install outdoor in warmer climates. The Infinion can deliver one shower at
a time and the Waiwela units can do two-three showers at once. Please visit
www.tanklesswaterheaters.com. Where are you located, how cold is your incoming water temp and how
is your water pressure?
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Why is this unit [the Waiwela PH28RIFS] higher than
Aquastar?
The Waiwela PH28RIFS
is rated at 199,900 btu/hour, includes a high end thermostatic control, 110v spark ignition system and
a built-in power vent system. Japanese made with an electronic flow switch instead of a rubber diaphragm
which requires regular maintenance...
If you want value and you can be satisfied by a tankless water heater like the Aquastar, then please visit
us again at www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
and check out the INFINIION.
The INFINION is comparable to the Aquastar 125B or 125X and sells for $469
and $559.
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I have had a Paloma tankless water heater in my
home for almost 18 years, It is now getting tired. I am planning on purchasing a new heater. It's compact,
It's out of the way, It's great. I have the
Ph6 model now and plan on upgrading to the PH12M
model and was wondering how much of a change I would have to make as far as moving pipes, and overall
installation. Thank You
Great that you did find us. We are Paloma's largest
reseller in the U.S. Please visit www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
and either check specs, prices, etc. Regarding your specific question about moving to the PH12MD. The
vent size is 5" diameter, one inch greater than the PH6D. The gas line requires that you deliver about
90k btu/hour usually 1/2" line will work fine but we have gas piping sizing
tables on our site. I know that the decision making is not easy and we can help by calling (800)873-3507,
ext. 4, 7, or 1.
We also stock parts and if you want to troubleshoot your tired heater, we take pride in our 25 years of
Paloma tech experience and might have the right vitamin to make the old PH6D perk up.
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Dear Stiebel Eltron, Does either model use
115 vac @ 30amps, and we would like to know if it would be alright to take 20 minute showers.
At one gallon per minute water flow, you will get a
20F degree rise in water temp. The water heater never runs out but 110v
units are more for washing hands at a flow rate of 0.5 gal/min. Either think LP
Gas or 220v. Please visit www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
and read the specifications on the various models.
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I am looking into buying a tankless water heater
for my home. I am remodeling and will have a 2 bath , kitchen, and washroom. I am looking at the Stiebel
Eltron DHC 10-2. Is this right for me?
The
DHC 10-2 requires 220v, and 50 amps dedicated service. You can get about 2 gal/min with a 33F degree
rise from whatever your cold water temp. is. At 1 gal/min you will get about a 66F degree rise. Not much
capacity unless you move up to a double unit or an
EEMAX 190T. Our gas units can install outdoors and have much more capacity. Please visit www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
for details. Electric units are basically the same in performance, more KW, more hot water.
KW = amps x volts.
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We are going to replace the current tank model hot
water heaters in three of our homes. Can you please advise on the appropriate models and provide price
quotes for the following: In all cases the showers, washing machine and dishwasher run at the same time
frequently so please use your expertise to help us keep the cold shower an infrequent occurrence.
Home 1: 3 bathrooms w/showers, dishwasher and washing machine. This is a permanent residence.
Home 2: 2 bathrooms w/showers, dishwasher and washing machine. This is a seasonal residence and we MUST
BE ABLE TO EASILY DRAIN THE WATER OUT OF THE HEATER SO IT DOES NOT FREEZE WHEN THE HOUSE IS NOT BEING
USED.
Home 3: 1 bathroom - small washing machine and no dishwasher. MUST BE ABLE TO EASILY DRAIN THE WATER OUT
OF THE HEATER SO IT DOES NOT FREEZE WHEN THE HOUSE IS NOT BEING USED. Please advise us on models you would
recommend for these type homes
Thank you for your interest. We attempt to educate
and then the decision is yours. The Waiwela
PH28RIFS is the best heater we can recommend for home #1. Keep in mind that this, the largest residential
heater we offer, will normally only provide TWO showers or two major uses at once. You can run THREE showers
at the same time with this heater, if your water temperature is 60-70F. Tankless heaters will perform
according to the specs if they are installed according to the installation instructions. Be particularly
attentive to gas line sizing. Tankless heaters NEVER run
out as they are instantly heating the water as it passes through the heater. You can get more details
and view gas piping tables at www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
Heaters for home #2 & 3. Tankless water heaters only hold about 12oz. of water. Easy to drain, BUT residual
water can freeze if air isn't introduced to blow out the residual water. Paloma
PH12MD and PH24MD
have multiple drain plugs and usually if you blow in some air after draining, you will not have problems.
Also if you arrive at these homes and you sense that the temp is below freezing, do not introduce fresh
water until the room warms up and you can see a drop liquid water at the drain plug holes. Leave the plugs
out when you leave the house. Hope this helps.
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I have a question regarding the
PH28RIFS (Waiwela gas power water heater): ... I'd like to know, how "loud" is the heater when it
kicks in (active heat production)? You can tell me in decibels. I want to plan WHERE it should be located
in our small bungalow (Houston, TX) - i.e.. I don't want to locate it near a bedroom if your product "screams".
Please respond as I am trying to decide on this TYPE of water heater vs. typical tank gas water heater.
Thank you
I do not know the noise level in dB's, but I know the
heater and it is quiet. You can install the PH28 ROF outdoors.
Keep in mind that you can NOT install the Wawiela
heaters in sleeping rooms or bathrooms. Noise complaints have not been encountered.
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I currently have a 15 year old 1,414,000 BTU boiler
roofside with a 300 gallon tank inside running the hot water for my coin op laundry. I desperately need
to reclaim the space inside where the tank is located for business expansion and ... it seems like a good
time to get rid myself of this boiler. ... As far as I know my current boiler receives water at 90 psi
in the 2'' copper. I am concerned about the pressure changing when I decrease pipe size from 2" to 3/4"
and the ability of the T-M1
to receive this pressure. Is there anyway that you can help me determine how many of these units I need
to accommodate my hot water usage. ... it seems T-M1 can handle any water usage simply by adding more
units connected to a computer control. Does the Max flow of 9.6 ever change and if so when and why? Please
respond via Email or call
The flow from the
T-M1 is determined by the outlet temp. requested and the inlet temp. and the demand. For example,
I believe a 70F degree rise will yield a flow of about 5.5 gal/min. How many units required without tank?
Estimate maximum flow rate that you are sizing for and divide by about 6 gal/min. If you had 40 single
load machines and we allocate 2 gal/min per machine and peak load is 28 machines, then we need 56 gal/min
and about 10 T-M1's will yield 60 gal/min. We do not reduce from 2" to 3/4". We would manifold the units
and they would come on and go off as the demand increased and decreased. Gas line may have to be upsized
for potential draw even though that would seldom be reached.
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I am looking for a tankless water heater that can
supply 3 gpm at 120 degrees.. I'd prefer a propane based unit, but am flexible.. Any suggestions?
What is cold water temp? Propane is good. Do you have
110v power? That would determine whether we recommend the Waiwela or Paloma. Wawiela
has 110v spark ignition system. If you had 50F degree cold, then I would recommend the
Paloma PH24MDP LPG.
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I am renovating a small house. There are three
"guest" bedrooms upstairs, one bedroom downstairs. The basement floods periodically. The electric tank
water heater gets damaged each time, no surprise. I am tired of this. I am wondering how a tankless water
heater can help me... My questions are what would be the best way to provide hot water for the kitchen,
downstairs shower and upstairs shower without using the small basement which floods. What is the size
of units I might use? The downstairs bathroom is very small ... Our power choice is electric. There is
no gas or propane available. Thank you for your help.
Electric
units are small 12" x 12" x 4" and they hang on a wall. You will need 220v service and 100 to 180
amps of dedicated service. 100 amps gets you one comfortable shower at a time and never run out and 180
amps of service will allow two showers at once. If you visit www.tanklesswaterheaters.com
and click on water heaters, then EEMAX
or Stiebel Eltron, you can get specs.
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Wawela
PH28ROF: I do not see specs as to what areas or how cold the environment could be installed outside.
If in Wash, DC, could this be installed outside or only areas such as Florida?
The
PH28ROF is freeze protected down to 32F degrees. Of course the plumbing would freeze at below 32F
if not protected. We install outdoors in many areas where lowest temp. is 30F.
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I am interested in an
electric water heater for my RV. Will one run everything? (tub, sink and kitchen sink) Which model
would be recommended for this application?
The Stiebel-Eltrons (DHC
and DHC-E) are the best
values we offer. Do you have 220v available and how many amps are available? With this info we can help
you size the heater.
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Hi, from the advertisements on your web site the
Paloma's Waiwela is a better deal over Tagaki's TK-2. In terms of warranty, total BTU output and cost.
I'm planning to purchase a tankless water heater soon and need some advice on which of the two is better.
I'm planning to hook up either the Paloma or Tagaki after a solar heating system which includes a 80 gallon
storeage tank. I have an option of hooking up the heating element to the storeage tank but because electricity
is costly in Hawaii I wanted to go with the "solar with tankless heater". Is the Paloma solar friendly
like the TK2? Side by side which one would perform better for me? Thank you for your time, Aloha
The WaiWela means HOT Water in Hawaiian and the model
PH28R is capable of solar back up with LP gas which is the only gas outside of Honolulu. The PH28R will
deliver up to 7.4 gal/min with 120F degree hot water. If the water is already hotter than the set temp
on the WaiWela temp controller, then the water heater will not come on. The WaiWela is definitely a better
value and it is available in a true outdoor model with nothing extra to buy.
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