Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Indirects

saul deutsch
saul deutsch Member Posts: 15
in THE MAIN WALL
Is there a difference between a "Indirect Fire Water Heater" and a "Indirect Hot Water Heater"? Someone suggested I install an Indirect Fire Water Heater for my one family residential home for the water. I'd like to know how this would work, advantages, disadvatages installation costs etc. I previously posted a similar question regarding a Indirect Hot Water Heater, but I'm not sure if these two are the same.

Comments

  • Big Ed
    Big Ed Member Posts: 1,117
    heaters

    A direct fired heater has it's own power source, while a indirect receives it from a boiler.

    Depends on your need,wants and what's on the job to make make a honest reccomendation.....
  • Dan_15
    Dan_15 Member Posts: 388


    The "direct" answer to your question is, no, there is no difference. You are referring to the same piece of equipment by different names. The operative word is "indirect", where the water heater does not have its own independent source of "fire", or fuel. An indirect heater is not actually a water heater, but more like a holding tank which stores water that has been heated by your boiler. Typically, indirect tanks are more cost effective to run because they use one less fuel burner, and they are better insulated with less standby heat loss than their direct-fired counterparts. The heat exchanger and holding tank also lasts longer because of less wear and tear. But it all depends on your boiler setup.
  • saul deutsch
    saul deutsch Member Posts: 15


    How much more is it worth spending in terms of dollars to go with an Indirect versus standard water heater
  • Dan_15
    Dan_15 Member Posts: 388


    Im just a happy homeowner with an indirect tank. Every system is different. The key for you is to have a professional (you can find them on this site by clicking on "Find a Professional") evaluate your current system and needs. Your boiler may be sized wrong to handle an indirect tank, or it may work just fine. You may need extensive new piping or a few simple connections. Indirect tanks come in all sizes (and shapes) and materials, so the cost really depends on what you need and want. A glss lined HW heater on the other hand needs a burner with accessories and flue connections, and generally lasts an average of 7 years. The best person to give you a cost comparison is the seller and installer. Have a prof check out your system its worth it.

  • saul deutsch
    saul deutsch Member Posts: 15
    Indirects

    Also, I'm being told to have it installed as with the "priority" being given to the hot water & then to the heat. Are there any pitfalls? i.e. not enough for heat available on real cold winter days etc.
  • Dan_15
    Dan_15 Member Posts: 388


    No, if your boiler is sized correctly to handle the load of your heat and HW, then the priority will not have a huge effect. You will find that the indirect call for heat will be satisfied rather quickly, at which time the boiler will go back to making heat for the home. The efficiency should be about the same, except that you will have domestic hot water sooner on demand which is always a good thing on cold days. On my system, priority is a simple matter of removing the jumper between two wires on the zone controller. Its not a big deal, and probably something you want for comfort. Please be sure a professional is answering these questions for you.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories