Commercial water heaters can help businesses save money while meeting stringent energy efficiency requirements. Here are some tips on selecting the right water heater:
Energy-efficient
The DOE is currently looking for consumer water heater technologies. The organization plans to develop a simplified equation based on the current consumer water heater testing procedure and use it to evaluate the efficacy of energy-efficient water heaters. The agency also plans to collect data on hot water usage and trends by season. The following are some examples of energy-efficient commercial water heater technologies. They are designed to help businesses lower operating costs and maximize energy savings.
In analyzing the effects of the new energy conservation standard, the DOE conducts a market and technology assessment. This analysis uses qualitative and quantitative information to characterize industry structure and assess market share. The evaluation also explores potential efficiency improvements by reviewing company websites and industry publications. It also considers the impact of non-regulatory initiatives on the commercial water heater industry. DOE’s findings show that commercial water heaters can significantly reduce energy costs and improve business productivity.
Cost-effective
There are several ways to make large commercial water heaters more efficient and cost-effective. Installing a solar water heater, for instance, can save up to 50 percent in energy costs. Another option is to insulate hot water pipes and minimize pipe runs to minimize heat loss. Additionally, many states and electric utilities offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR Certified products. Check out the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) to take advantage of these programs.
Demand Duo hybrid water heaters are the most energy-efficient of all. These systems use small pumps that recirculate the heated water throughout the building. As a result, the water is heated only when needed and is less prone to scalding or boilovers. The units can also be powered by natural gas, propane, electricity, or solar energy. In addition, Demand Duo hybrid systems can provide anywhere from 15200 BTU to 4.9 million BTU.
Safety
When inspecting water heaters, the Uniform Plumbing Code and the California Plumbing Code are two common citation sources. A service technician can also write up such findings, but inspectors should also be notified of any life-safety concerns. In addition to building code compliance, water heaters must be installed by manufacturers’ recommendations and guidelines. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s User’s Guide and Manual to learn more about safe practices.
Among the requirements for commercial water heaters in Pleasanton, CA, is the ignition capability. If specific water heater components fail to signal readiness, the main burner will not ignite. Some commercial water heater models have electronic diagnostics to check critical components. Installers can also use LED lights on the heater’s top and bottom to test the sequence of operation. Also, the distance from combustibles is measured using “alcove testing.” This distance helps determine how close water heaters should be to nearby objects.
Environmental impact
While the impact of gas-powered water heaters on the environment is relatively low, the production and combustion processes are responsible for a large portion of the overall footprint. Other emissions caused by water heating systems include VOCs, PAHs, and particulates. Heavy metals are also released into the air. Compared to tank water heaters, users of tankless water heaters would require an extra ten gallons of hot liquid per day.
Gas-fired commercial water heaters are one of the most common commercial and residential water heaters. However, natural gas-fired water heaters emit high levels of NOx compared to low-NOx industrial burners. While California and other states have implemented regulations to reduce the NOx emissions from commercial water heaters, their cost is still high relative to the amount of available electrical power. Therefore, new, low-cost, and unpowered NOx control technologies are needed for commercial water heaters.
