Central Hot Water System

Water heaters and boilers used to produce hot water function in a very simply manner. A single thermostat or temperature control is employed to keep temperatures at a constant setting. When the water in the system cools below the thermostat setting, the heater turns on; when the temperature exceeds the setting, the heater turns off.

As a general rule, people will use hot water at temperatures between 100^o and 110^o F. Because of the limited amount of storage within the system, temperatures are increased during periods of peak use in order to satisfy the requirements of all the users. As temperatures increase, tenants will mix various levels of cold water to get the desired hot water temperatures.

These high use periods usually last only two to three hours per day, but temperatures are maintained 24 hours a day at the high temperature required for these three hours. In an average system, the thermostat setting is around 130^o to 140^o Fahrenheit. These large systems also utilize a plumbing configuration known as a loop. Most loops serve between 8 and 150 dwelling units and may extend several hundred feet from the heater (source). A recirculating pump circulates the hot water continuously through the loop and back to the heater. Feeder lines go from the loop to each building or living unit.

Problems Associated With This Standard System Are:

As water circulates through the loop, it loses temperature to the ground or the air. The higher the water temperature setting, the greater the temperature loss in the loop as it recirculates. Energy is wasted by constantly reheating water in the loop to a temperature that is greater than is needed.

EDC Technologies lessens the loop loss by reducing water temperatures during the off hours.

Most loops are plumbed underground or within walls and are susceptible to water leaks, mineral buildup , etc. These problems are generally not visible and may go unnoticed for long periods of time before becoming evident. The only indications of a problem may be excessive energy bills or tenant complaints.

EDC Technologies addresses this issue by recording data which allows a look inside the system so any necessary repairs can begin when they first become evident as opposed to when they have become excessive and costly.

The complex maintenance and repair of heater/boiler room equipment is generally beyond the capabilities of on-site staff employed for general property upkeep. The burden is consequently given to contractors unfamiliar with each system’s idiosyncrasies.

EDC Technologies provides valuable information to contractors and maintenance staff by giving a look inside the boiler through the collected data, not only for one time period, but over a sustained period of time. Depending on your contractor, they may also have access to our online system for viewing your systems data, graphs and history.