Adjusting A Tankless Water Heater
Adjusting a tankless water heater can be as simple as pressing a button. While the new technologies provide for convenient, computer controlled operations, you may need to you adjust your power source to accommodate the new heater system.
Temperature Adjustment
There are two types of tankless water heater systems – large household units that supply on-demand heated water to the entire building when a faucet opens or POU (point of use devices) that are installed near the delivery point and can be adjusted specifically for required temperature use at that application based on personal temperature requirements.
For example, a device placed in the master bedroom bathroom can be set at a higher temperature than one that supplies water for young children to wash hands or to shower and bathe. Additionally, a POU tankless water heater can be set at higher temps for a dishwasher or a clothes washer. Each POU has a separate temperature control component that can be accessed through a user panel with an LED readout making it easier to adjust temperatures with a push button operation.
Additionally, unlike traditional storage tank heaters with dial control operation, an instantaneous water heater with a computer controlled thermostat accompanied by an LED readout allows the user the opportunity for precise temperature control – one degree at a time. Dial controls are much less efficient, allowing only a “range” when setting at a particular number.
Vent Operations
Tankless systems, also known as inline or flash hot water heaters, employ computerized controls for their venting operations as well, allowing users to select a number of pre-installed fan settings. This digital interface is quite practical as one can quickly and easily change the fan's operating power to vent any harmful vapors out of the home when no water is called for or is off for a period of time.
Flow Operations
Water flow is determined via a gallons per minute equation. There are certain minimum standards set by code for specific applications like showering. So upon researching the standards set by your local code an instant-on tankless system can help you ensure you never dip below that minimum. They incorporate flow monitoring devices to alert a homeowner in the event of a disruption in flow.
Such interruptions in flow may be caused by faulty plumbing or possibly a problem originating with a pumping situation or supply from a municipal source. Also, flow rates can be set at the minimums needed by exchanging different piping and flow regulators throughout a house that uses POUs.
Water flow in GPM affects temperature in that the greater demand for an amount of water will increase the heating operation to meet that demand. Using POU tankless water heater devices allows the user to install adjustable water flow devices that can provide a stronger shower spray while maintaining a constant temperature. It may take a little longer to reach that temperature, but once realized, a constant flow of required hot water can result in longer more luxurious bathing experiences.
