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Post date: Sep 23, 2015 3:42:25 AM
The water heaters were (mostly) installed in the garage and the mechanical room. I say 'mostly' because the gas has not been connected and the water needs to be connected in the mechanical room. These are demand water heaters, meaning they are cold until a hot water tap is opened. The one shown in the garage supplies the utility sink that you see in the photo, plus the dishwasher and kitchen sink.
The water heater on the other side of the house, in the mechanical room, supplies the laundry, shower, and lavatory.
I spent my energy today driving a friend to Santa Fe for cataract surgery, followed by a potluck dinner and board meeting for Taos Community Chorus. We will be singing early Baroque music from Oaxaca, Mexico this Autumn.
New thoughts on Water Heaters
New thoughts on Water Heaters
11 July 2023
Demand water heaters were the rage when I built. But now that I have solar electric panels, I think again about a resistance-electric (not heat pump) tank water heated, switched to heat only when sun shines, and with extra insulation to last during the night. A 20-gallon tank is large enough for the two of us to shower, and more than enough for a load of laundry. Rheem Model #XE20P06PU20U0 has a 2,000 watt heating element, 6824 BTU/hr. 20 gallons weighs 160 pounds and would need to be heated from 50° to 120°, or70°F, requiring 160X70 = 11,200 BTU. This heater would take 1.64 hours or 98 minutes to heat this.
Demand water heaters are complex devices, and mine burn methane, a contributor to climate warming. The daytime electricity would be 'free' (no marginal cost to me). So, when the current water heater ceases to function I plan to replace it with a small electric tank water heater. This model is 25" high and 20" diameter. Extra insulation (under and around) might cost an additional $20.
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