26 gallon indirect

David_5

I'm thinking of using one on a job. I usually go with a 40 and never have any problems.

David

hr

Depends on the DHW needs

and the engine (boiler) driving it. Not much of a dump load with that small capacity. Unless you have a huge boiler you may be disappointed. Why do you want to go with a 26?

Unless you are talking about an Ergomax type reverse indirect?

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David_5

it's cheaper

Only two people live in the house. The boiler will be a 3 section with priority for DHW. The output is not much less than a 40 gallon. I'm looking at the Mega-stor.

David

hr

Over the years

I have never had a homeowner tell me I gave them too much hot water capacity.

But I sure have missed a few on the other end

It all comes down to what the homeowner expects, and how much hw they need and how fast.

Incoming water temperature makes a big difference also. make sure you run the output calcs based on the coldest expected incoming temperature.

Those manufacture specs are good rule of thumbs for first day output. In real life, hard water and mineral deposits will change the output of the coils as time goes on. Check their water hardness. I've seen finned coil HXs plug solid in a years time in indirect service. All the boiler hp in the world won't fix that problem.

It's the bathtub that puts a stress on small capacity tanks, generally. Are they tub users? would they be ok with a 20 minute or longer recovery after taking a tub?

How much of a savings is the smaller tank? Worth the gamble if you have to up size later?

Here is a picture of my Weil/ Phase 3. 30 some gallon but it won't handle 3 showers in a row, or a load of clothes and 2 showers. It now has a solar preheat tank (165 gallon 2 panels)upstream which made a huge difference. Most summer days the Weil doesn't fire at all

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Unknown

Doesn't the capacity

for hot water production decrease when you have to lay a Phase 3 down ? Something like 30 percent ? It's been a long time since I installed one horizontal . Nice job in your home Hot Rod .

Weezbo

Seen them used as a means to do radiant floor ...

they arent something that appeal to me....i think on a small spa or over gert indoor pool maybe on its closed filtration system...really small residential system ...everything has a place...
As the primary source of hot potable water in a new home of 3,4 bedrooms...might never cross my mind to do. when in question do the math:)

Robert O'Connor_7

26 Gallon?

The answer is it depends. If you have more than three people wanting to take showers or baths and these people just can't wait for the tank to recover,then you need a bigger tank. If you run the numbers and or find out the occupants water using habits are not so immediate then go for it. I installed a Weil-Mclain Plus 30 in my own house about 4 years ago( I originally wanted a much larger indirect but the supplier was out of stock. The reason for me using the 30 gallon was because it was free. The supply house had a damaged one they couldn't sell and I needed to move in). I was worried at first that I may not have enough hot water but after 4 years it works great. The indirect recovers in about 8 - 13 minutes (this is about the time it takes for me ladies to exit the coveted room). If you can wait a few minutes for recovery, go for it, the fuel saving alone will be a pleasent surprise. On another note, I also wanted to prioritize the domestic but again the supplier didn't have the relay I wanted either,so I did it without and it still works great. With the three ladies and me I haven't had a complaint yet. Good luck!...Robert O'Connor/NJ

David_5

Thanks to all who repied

I think i'll go ahead with it.

David

Steve Miller

another thing

If you do find out the 26 gal in somewhat lacking. You can always install a mixing valve on the hot outlet and crack up the temp of the tank.

Steve M.

ScottMP

volume

volume, volume .... gallons gallons

There is no silver bullet, unless you are use to navy showers on a boat or don't mind waiting to take a shower untill the Wm is thur its cycle, then get a 40 gallon Super-Stor.

Unless of course you have the money to experitment on your own home and don't mind listining to your wife say " did'nt you just buy one of those things ? " or worse " All that time and I can't take a shower ? Who do I have to call ? ".

Momma not happy, Nobody happy.

Also, a modern shower head is 2.5 gallons per minute. Thats 10 gallons used in four minutes and the other 16 gallons has 10 gallons of cold mixed in while its waits for the boiler to come up to temperature. Also figure a gallonor two goes down the drain while you wait for it to get hot and step in. To me, its too close. The Super-Stor has a degree loss of 1/2 degree an hour, wheres the efficency between 26 and 40 gallons ?? Hot water is stored and held.

Scott

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B. Tice

26 gallon

I've used quite a few 26 gallon Amtrols over the years and always had a good result. Why oversize? 2 people and 1 bath applications are fine w/ this size.

ScottMP

Amtrol

makes a 26 gallon ??

Not to be a wise guy but I would'nt use a 40 gallon Amtrol let alone go down to 26. I find it hard to believe you could fill a tub with 26 gallons and keep it hot.

Standard tub, 14" high uses 33 gallons ????? Cold cast iron Sucks the heat out.

I would'nt want to try it..

Scott

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Paul Pollets

Either would I....

A 42g tank is minimum for 2 people. 53g offers a safety factor.

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David_5

Shower

I agree the shower head is 2.5 gal/min. But I don't use just hot water when I take a shower.

David

hr

Keep in mind also

the temperature you operate the indirect tank at has a lot to do with amount of useable hot at the point of use. As you just mentioned David, generally you blend some cold with hot to shower.

If you listen to water heater manufactures and read the labels on new heaters they recommend not to exceed 120° F. for scald and soft tissue issues and liability.

Not much cold gets blended with this temperature considering the aquastat may have a typical 15 degree delta T, so turn on would be the temperature below the setpoint.

It's your call you have plenty of opinions from installers here to guide you

Another trick for undersized tanks is to run them up hotter and use a good quality anti scald mix valve to mix the temperature to the building. Although that is generally more $$s than an upsized tank, and more of a maintenance issue.

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