On-Demand Hot Water
What is On-Demand Hot Water?
On-demand water heaters heat water only when you need it. Water flowing through the unit signals the flame to come on. If you are heating water with a tank, you are heating that tank 24 hours/7 days a week, wasting energy, and limited to the amount of hot water the tank holds.
Why Go On-Demand?
- SAVE MONEY. The Average American family will save $600 per year by switching from an electric tank to on-demand propane.
- SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT. That same family will save 1800 pounds of CO2 from the environment.
- NEVER RUN OUT OF HOT WATER. Nuf said.
- ON-DEMAND SHOWERS FEEL BETTER. You'll feel better knowing you are doing your part by investing in the most efficient water heater on the market.
- SAVE SPACE. No tank required, compact units.
THE RINNAI CONTINUUM
Description
The Continuum is a propane-fired, 87% efficient, tankless water heater. Rinnai is the Toyota of propane equipment. They have been perfecting the art of small, energy efficient, state of the art propane appliances for years and are unmatched in product, service, and technical support. The unit is wall-mounted and direct vented, which means it draws air directly from the outside and doesn't require a chimney. Some of the greatest benefits of the Rinnai Continuum include:
- High efficiency and cleaner burning fuel.
- Ease of installation; no need for a chimney.
- Long life, it's designed to be fixed, not thrown away.
- Great support from the manufacture.
- Draws it's own combustion air.
- No risk of a freeze-up.
As water flows through the unit, it produces 6 gallons of hot water/minute (50° temperature rise), enough for 3 simultaneous showers, and requires a 0.5 gallons/minute water pressure for the flame to be activated. Turning the tap on and off will produce small bursts of cold water in the hot line, but once you get used to these small changes, operation is seamless.
Installation
ReVision Energy specializes in Rinnai Continuum installations. We stock both sizes, pre-built in the shop. This saves time in the field, and makes for a neater installation. Our technicians are trained in the fine points. Don't buy from someone who has to read the manual. A Continuum can live in the basement or utility room. Installation takes a day and requires a gas hook up, electricity, plumbing, wiring and venting to the exterior. There is also an exterior model that is designed to drain down between use and it endures Maine's winter temperatures without freezing.
Cost
The rough cost of an installed Continuum is $1800-$2400, assuming simple and short runs to the propane source, water use and vent. Additionally, a 9 gallons/minute model is available, which costs an extra $250.