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Indirect fire hot water heater

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Michael G.
Michael G. Member Posts: 28
in THE MAIN WALL
In addition to the new gas fired steam boiler and hydronic boiler that my heating contractor is going to install, he mentioned that I might want to think about an indirect fire hot water heater.

1) What is an indirect fire hot water heater?
2) Why is it good and what are its limitations?
3) Would it be just for my hot water needs in my house and if so, would it replace my now gas fired dedicated hot water tank?
4) Why is the indirect better/different from my current hot water tank?
5) Any special considerations for its hookup? To the steam boiler or the hydronic boiler? Any special brands and how do you size them?

Michael G.

Comments

  • brucewo1b
    brucewo1b Member Posts: 638


    1) What is an indirect fire hot water heater?

    Heat the water as a zone in a tank off a boiler

    2) Why is it good and what are its limitations?

    Good because its one less burner to maintain keeps the boiler warm year round, and has better rcovery that a gasfired tank of the same size

    3) Would it be just for my hot water needs in my house and if so, would it replace my now gas fired dedicated hot water tank?

    Yes and yes

    4) Why is the indirect better/different from my current hot water tank?

    See above

    5) Any special considerations for its hookup? To the steam boiler or the hydronic boiler?

    Usually better on the hydronic boiler but can be done on a steam boiler, just hooks up as another zone in the house

    Any special brands and how do you size them?

    I would stick with what has been working for the contractors in the area some are better suited to certain conditions ie hard water or high clorine content. Size would be by your demand ie how many baths kitchens larger if you have hot tub or Jacuzzi etc
  • Al Letellier_9
    Al Letellier_9 Member Posts: 929
    indirect

    An indirect water heater is a storage tank attached to a boiler, heated by boiler water, not a direct flame. They will last longer, be more efficient, hold temperature longer and can provide limitless hot water when properly sized and installed. Most boiler manufacturers today have a line of tanks that match up with their boilers. I like the Phase III style of tank, a tank within a tank. Weil McLains line of Plus tanks are that type. surrounded by boiler water, the inner tank has amazing recovery capabilities. The indirect will allow the boiler to be used year round, and will eliminate another piece of mechanical equipment( the water heater burner) minimizing maintenance and upkeep. All said and done, an indirect is a better choice, hands down, over the typical water heater.

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