I am building a new personal timberframe home [2900 SF], planning to use a Rinnai heater. Plumber recommends using a small electric heater and recirc pump to help with the time delay. This seems to fly in the face of using a tankless heater. Comments?
Smart construction decisions and material choices can significantly improve occupant safety and survival in the event of a fire in the home.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Asheville, As a first time poster Welcome to Breaktime.
What type of Rinnai heater were you planning for you 2900 sq ft?
Peach full,
easy feelin'.
A propane fired internal model 2532FFU or similar. We have master, kitchen, power room on main floor, one full bath on second floor.
Yes that really does make sense and while it will reduce the efficiency somewhat it can be the best of both worlds.
I've got a picture and deeper explanation here.
http://www.chandlerdesignbuild.com/index.php?id=construction&t=Green%20Building%20Construction%20Details
Hope this helps
Michael
------------------
"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
i just had one done with a 12 gal hot water heater added to stop the sandwich effect
thats when two fascets or showers are turned on one right after another.
Not sure if it works or not also we have a recirulating system on the house.
it adds a lot to the install cost.
I would try it with out it first it always can be added later.
I think it's a good idea but, the re-circ lines should be very well insulated and the pump have an aquastat and timer installed. Grundfos makes a pretty cool pump for that application.
http://www.grundfos.com/Web/HomeUs.nsf/Webopslag/PAVA-593QHX
Your plumber is correct, if you are going to use a standard recirc system, you need an electric tank as a buffer for the tankless unit. Buying that extra equipment will cost more and I can guarrentee that you will spend a lot of electricity keeping the water in your recirc loop hot....the electric heater will do that not your tankless.
A better solution is to install an On-Demand recirc system which is compatible with your tankless unit without additional hardware. Google "Metlund Systems" to find out more about these systems.
Bill