Rheem | PVG | User manual | Update Bulletin No. 811

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Update Bulletin No. 811

Jim Dulley

T hank you for

your interest in writing to me about high-efficiency gas water heaters. On the following pages, I have listed the most efficient

(EF ratings from

GAMA’s Consumers’

Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings) models that each company makes. Since installed prices vary so much depending on region, unit size and installation details specific to your house, it is best for you to contact a plumber for an estimate. Installing a gas water heater is not a typical do-ityourself job.

When selecting a new gas water heater, you should consider the efficiency (and the resultant operating cost) and the amount of hot water it can produce. The efficiency is rated by the energy factor (EF) and this determines the operating cost. See page 4 for a table of various energy factors and the expected annual operating costs for a family of four. A sample calculation and worksheet are also

Conservationist from A.O. Smith shown to use when comparing models.

The next factor for you to consider is the amount of hot water your family needs for morning showers (usually the heaviest hot water demand of the day). The first hour rating (FHR) indicates how much hot water is available in one hour after a long period of no use, usually over night. The first hour rating includes the volume of the hot water stored in the tank plus the amount of water the burners can heat in one hour. I have included a hot water demand chart below to help you to estimate how much hot water you will need in the heavi-

If you work around your water heater area and there are any flammable chemicals (cleaners, paint thinner, gasoline, etc.) stored or used nearby, their vapors can be ignited by the water heater burner causing explosions and fire. American Water Heater currently has a special

“Flame-Guard” burner design (see page 4) that traps any burning vapors inside the burner unit so it does not spread throughout your utility room or basement. Within this year, all gas water heaters will be required to have this safety feature in their burner design.

est usage time.

Two of my favorite models are the reliable A.O.

Smith “Conservationist” and the Maytag “Series 12”

Series 12 from Maytag shown on this page. Both have high

EF ratings. Although Maytag’s mod-

If you current have an electric water heater and would like to switch to gas because it is much less expensive to operate, you can select a direct-vent or power-vent model (see page 4). These models do not require you to install an expensive chimney or a vertical els are fairly new, they are made by well-established State Industries to

Maytag specifications. As is typical with Maytag products, their water flue to exhaust the gases of combustion.

They are somewhat more expensive to purchase than a standard gas water heater because of the extra parts, but their efficiency heaters use extra-heavy gauge steel, dual anode rods, heat trap fittings, etc. This allows them to offer a 12year warranty.

is usually quite high. They can supply more hot water (higher FHR) from a smaller water tank than can an electric water heater.

Use

Shower

Bath

Shaving

Hands & Face Washing

Hair Shampoo

Hand Dishwashing

Automatic Dishwasher

Food Preparation

Clothes Washer

TOTAL

Worksheet to Estimate Peak Hour Demand

Average

Gallons of Hot

Water Usage

Times Used

During One

Hour

2

2

8

2

20

10

20

1

2 x x x x x x x x x

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

Peak Hour Demand

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

Gallons Used in

One Hour

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

______________

To use this chart: Determine during what general time of day (morning, noon, evening) there is usually the most use of hot water in your home, keeping in mind the number of people in your home. Using the table, determine what your maximum usage of hot water in one hour could be; this is your peak hour demand. The right size water heater for your needs will be within one to two gallons of your peak hour demand.

NOTE: This table does not estimate total daily hot water usage. As an example, an average of 2 gallons of hot water is used each time dishes are washed by hand but dishes washed by hand are usually done

3 times a day. The average daily hot water usage for hand dishwashing, 6 gallons, is about the same as the average hot water usage for an automatic dishwasher, used once a day.

Example: Your household uses the most hot water in the morning. In the busiest one hour period of the morning, the uses are: 3 showers/10x3=30, 1 shave/1x1=1, 3 shampoos/2x3=6 handwashing of dishes/2x1=2, Total Peak Hour Demand = 39 gallons.

Rheem Water Heaters

• Brass drain valve

• Exclusive porcelain enamel tank lining resists corrosion and prolongs tank life

• Flue baffle minimizes heat loss

• Gasmaster™ burner with precision port alignment for even heat transfer

• High efficiency models feature 2 1/2" foam insulation with approx. R-value of

R-20 (models with .62 energy factor)

• Higher BTU input and higher efficiency than standard models

• Meets or exceeds National

Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) and California Energy

Commission (C.E.C.) requirements • Models up to 50K BTU feature a top connect T&P valve opening. Higher input models have a side-mounted relief valve opening

• Premium grade anode rod

• Robertshaw® control combination thermostat •

Temperature and pressure relief valve included

www.dulley.com

Update Bulletin No. 811

page 2

Recommended Most Efficient Gas Water Heaters

Company Model

Gallon

Capacity

First Hour

Rating

40 gallons 81 gallons

Energy

Factor

.63

Btu input

Tank

Warranty

Parts

Warranty

Insulation

Type

A. O. SMITH WATER PRODUCTS

600 John Carpenter Freeway

Suite 200

Irving, TX 75062

(800) 527-1953 (972) 719-5900 www.hotwater.com or www.aosmith.com

XGV-40

XGV-50

XGVL-40

GVR-30

GVR-40

GVR-50

GCVT-40

GCVX-50

GCPR-40

50 gallons 97 gallons

40 gallons 79 gallons

30 gallons 66 gallons

40 gallons

50 gallons

62 gallons

86 gallons

.63

63

63

.62

.62

40,000 10 year

6 year

10 year

6 year

2" foam

40 gallons 88 gallons

50 gallons 93 gallons

40 gallons 79 gallons

.60

.58

.64

50,000

65,000

40,000

Features - The Conservationist PG models have a spring loaded combustion chamber access door, opens easily for pilot lighting and closes automatically for safer operation. A push-button electric ignition makes pilot lighting easy. The internal “Thermotrap” system reduces heat losses through the inlet/outlet connections. A stainless steel core anode protects longer in harsh water conditions. The heater has a glass-lined tank that is permanently fused to steel. The “DynaClean” dip tube carries cold water deep into the tank where turbulence is created to reduce sediment from accumulating and lime build-up. The hot water output is also maximized because the cold water is introduced at a deeper level. Other features include — an energy-saving pilot, cast iron burner, energy-saving thermostat, brass drain valve and a factory installed T&P relief valve. The hot water heaters have an R-value of

R-16.0. These models have the patented Turbo Shot combustion system. Air is precisely drawn through a special combustion control port and the inlet air orifice and exhausted through 3-inch PVC pipe. Controlling air flow through the heater enhances and controls the combustion process. Heater is isolated from room air. No energy is wasted by back drafting. Special tee drains away any condensate to prevent corrosion. Power direct vents through side-wall or roof up to 40 equivalent feet of 3" PVC pipe. Other features include — intermittent electronic ignition (only lights pilot when thermostat calls for heat), all steel multiple-port burner for improved combustion efficiency. Vents with PVC, CPVC and ABS — vertical, horizontal and down venting capable. Eliminates need for chimneys. The model GCPR-40 is a power-vent design.

AMERICAN WATER HEATER

COMPANY

500 Princeton Rd.

Johnson City, TN 37602

(800) 937-1037 (423) 283-8000 www.americanwaterheater.com

FG61-30S30-3NOV 30 gallons 64 gallons

FG62-40S40-3NOV

FG62-40T40-3NOV

FG62-40T40-3NOV

40 gallons

40 gallons

50 gallons

80 gallons

80 gallons

101 gallons

.61

.62

63

.60

30,000

40,000

40,000

50,000

6 year 6 year 2" foam

DVG62-40S38-NV 40 gallons 78 gallons

DVG62-50T42-NV 50 gallons 90 gallons

.59

.58

38,000

42,000

PVG62-40T42-NV 40 gallons 83 gallons

PVG62-50T42-NV 50 gallons 93 gallons

.62

.62

42,000

42,000

Features - The self-cleaning feature keeps sediment from accumulating and lime build-up. There is a factory-installed temperature and pressure relief valve on the side of the unit. Powerflex PVG52 units are direct vent water heatersthat offer optional horizontal or vertical installation up to a maximum of

40 feet from an outside wall with four elbows. It uses PVC, ABS or CPVC plastic vent material eliminating the need for conventional chimneys or expensive flue systems. Proline FG series has an included Flame Guard Safety System. Flame Guard snuffs out flames before they can spread. Key to the system is a sealed combustion chamber, allows air to enter only through a special patented stainless steel flame trap. Flammable vapors can get into the chamber, but flames cannot get out — the trapped burning vapors inside the water heater and combustion chamber burn themselves out without escaping back into the room. With the fire confined to the chamber, the water heater automatically switches off the gas supply to the burner and pilot light to extinguish the flames. This eliminates the water heater as a future ignition source. There will be 30 and 50 gallon models available soon. These water heaters do not require any special installation or sizing accommodations.

BRADFORD WHITE

725 Talamore Dr.

Ambler, PA 19002

(800) 523-2531 (215) 641-9400 www.bradfordwhite.com

M-4-30T6EN*

M-4-403T6EN*

M-4-403S***N-12

M-4-50S***N-13

M-4-75S***N-12

30 gallons

40 gallons

50 gallons

58 gallons

67 gallons

73 gallons

85 gallons

75 gallons 138 gallons

.60

.64

.57

.63

.51

32,000

36,000

40,000

36,000

75,000

6 or 10 year

6 year 2" foam

M-II-TW50T***N-10 48 gallons 105 gallons .65

.62

.64

65,000

M-II-TW65T***N-10 65 gallons 129 gallons

M-II-TW75T***N-10 75 gallons 145 gallons 75,000

Features - The hot water heaters are equipped with the Hydrojet delivery tube, with a series of concentric jet ports that creates turbulent action inside the tank. The system cleans the tank of harmful deposits every time there is a call for hot water. It increases the first hour delivery of hot water while minimizing temperature build up at the top of the tank. The water heater tanks are protected from the corrosive effects of hot water by a ceramic porcelain-like coating. The Vitraglas coating provides a tough interior surface for hot water tanks. The protective magnesium anode rod provides protection against corrosion. There are fully automatic controls — the thermostat is easily adjusted with a surface-mount thermostat. There is a built-in energy cut-off switch to prevent abnormally high water temperatures for added safety. Other features include — a brass drain valve, T&P relief valve opening and a slider combustion door. The heaters have factory installed dielectric waterway fittings — equipped with special water heater nipples for longer life. The flue baffle is designed to maximize the amount of heat absorbed in the lower portion of the tank. It minimizes air movement in the heater during standby periods to retard heat loss up the flue. The M-4 Energy Saver LP gas models have cast iron burners. Equipped with a low consumption pilot — 400 Btu input. The M-II series of heaters are through-the-wall power vented for positive exhaust during main burner operation. The specially designed assembly blows exhaust gases directly out of the house, eliminating the need for conventional chimneys or flue systems. Venting may be horizontal or vertical using PVC, ABS or CPVC materials. There are side connections for space heating. May be installed up to 40 feet with one elbow and 3-inch pipe and 70 feet with one elbow and 4-inch pipe from an outside wall. The water heater is equipped with an electronic ignition system — the pilot does not burn while the water heater is in standby mode.

www.dulley.com

Update Bulletin No. 811

page 3

Recommended Most Efficient Gas Water Heaters

Company Model

Gallon

Capacity

First Hour

Rating

Energy

Factor

Btuh input

Tank

Warranty

Parts

Warranty

Insulation

Type

LOCHINVAR

300 Maddox Simpson Pkwy

Lebanon, TN 37090

(615) 889-8900 www.lochinvar.com

STN030

STN040-8SC

DVN041

PVN050

30

40

40

46

56

63

69

96

.58

.55

.61

.62

32,000

34,000

40,000

65,000

6 year or

10 year

6 year 1" foam

Features - These models use a quiet alumuniumized steel burner that heats in a full 360-degree ring. There is a non-CFC urethane foam insulation blown in between the tank and the outside skin. The dip tube is designed to provide the proper water flow inside the tank to provide a maximum first hour rating. Flue baffles increase the heat transfer and first hour ratings by 10 percent. A large 0.84-inch-diameter magnesium anode rod protects against electrolytic corrosion. A solid brass drain valve is used and it is positioned for easy access. DVN is a direct-vent model and PVN is a power-vent model.

MAYTAG

One Dependability Square

Newton, IA 50208

(800) 360-8807 www.maytagwaterheaters.com

HRN112 40X

HRN112 50X

HRN112 50Q

HRN112 75Q

40 gallons

50 gallons

50 gallons

74 gallons

81 gallons

84 gallons

93 gallons

128 gallons

.63

.63

.60

n/a

40,000

65,000

75,100

12 year 12 year 2" foam

Features - Series 12 water heaters have self-cleaning Jetforce cold water inlet to eliminate sediment buildup. It is made of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) for a long life. A stainless steel reflector cone helps prevent heat loss to the floor. There are dual heavy-duty anode rods to protect against corrosion and prolong tank life. The drain valve cannot rust and it is covered to prevent accidental damage. The porcelain-lined glass steel tank helps maintain a longer life. Steel flue baffles improve heat transfer to water for high efficiency and lower fuel bills.

RHEEM/RUUD MFG. CO.

2600 Gunter Park Dr. East

Montgomery, AL 36109

(800) 621-5622 www.rheem.com

(These are Rheem models listed.

Most Ruud models are identical and a Ruud dealer can cross-reference them.)

22V40 PROF

42V40 PROF

RHG PRO40-40F

42V50-40 PROF

RHG PRO50-40F

GS6 40 YRRT

GS6 50 YRRT

40 gallons

38 gallons

40 gallons

50 gallons

50 gallons

73 gallons

68 gallons

68 gallons

83 gallons

83 gallons

40 gallons 88 gallons

50 gallons 90 gallons

.59

.60

.62

.58

.62

.60

.58

38,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

6 year to

8 year

6 year to

8 year

Features - Everkleen self-cleaning device, fights sediment build-up. Gasmaster burner designed for efficient, quiet operation; precision port alignment and even heat transfer. Energy saving low input pilot. Other features are brass drain valve, T&P relief valve mounted on side of tank, heat trap fittings and two anode rods . Tank surface coated with porcelain formula, fused to solid steel to prolong tank life. Triple flue columns with baffles, welded before glass lining, provides more heat transfer surface than a conventional single flue. Foam insulation of approximate R-value of R-20. There are PowerVent models that can be installed up to 40 feet from the outside wall using 3-inch PVC pipe for venting. Some direct vent models bring in outdoor combustion air through same pipe as the exhaust vent (uses a coaxial vent pipe). Rheem/Ruud model are professionally installed only.

STATE INDUSTRIES

500 Lindahl Pky.

Ashland City, TN 37015

(800) 365-0024 (615) 792-4371 www.stateind.com

RHG PRO50-50F 50 gallons 83 gallons

GPX 40 YXRT

GPX 40 YXRS

GPX 50 YXRT

40 gallons

40 gallons

50 gallons

81 gallons

79 gallons

97 gallons

.58

.63

.63

.63

50,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

10 year 10 year 2" foam

50,000

50,000 6 year 6 year

2.5" foam

1" foam

GS6 65 XRRT 65 gallons 112 gallons .55

65,000

Features - Models have patented self-cleaning Turbo Coil dip tube (made from a cross link polyethylene polymer, can withstand temperatures up to

400°F) have multiple jet ports that automatically creates self-cleaning turbulence. Helps with energy efficiency and prolongs tank life as it prevents sediment buildup. Factory-installed T&P valve protects against excessive temperature and pressure. There are two anode rods to help protect glasslined tank. Cold water tube is made from a cross linked PEX polymer so it will last longer in hot water. Other features are energy-saving pilot, nylon drain valve and certified energy cut-off. Power-Vent permits combined horizontal and vertical vent runs up to 35 feet. Vents with PVC, CPVC,or ABS piping. A 3-inch vent cap with screen is supplied.

Not Enough Hot Water from a Gas Water Heater?

Heaters are factory preset at lower temperature and inlet tubes have been shortened.

While lower temperature settings reduces the burn rate, and shorter dip tubes guard against stacking, both affect the amount of hot water a heater can supply. The following test will help determine if a water heater is supplying the proper amount of hot water and pinpoint any problems that exist.

1) At the faucet nearest to water heater, time

(in seconds) how long it takes to fill a 1 gallon bucket (flow rate). If it fills in — 10 sec = 6 gpm, 12 sec = 5 gpm, 15 sec = 4 gpm, 20 sec = 3 gpm, 24 sec = 2.5 gpm

2) Turn thermostat dial on the water heater so that the arrow points to “A” position.

3) Run about 15 gallons of hot water from the nearest faucet. Shut water off.

4) Water heater should complete heating 15 gallons in approx. 20 to 35 minutes.

5) At a nearby faucet using a candy thermometer, measure hot water temperature.

6) Temp should fall between 120 to 140°F.

7) Continue running hot water until 60% of tank capacity depleted. Tank size/deplete

— 30 gal./18 gal., 40 gal./24 gal., 50 gal./

30 gal., 75 gal./45 gal., 100 gal./60 gal.

8) At the same faucet using a candy thermometer, measure the water temperature.

9) The temperature should be about 30°F below the temperature in step 6.

Step 6 — if the temperature was not within range, check the thermostat.

Step 9 — if more than 30°F was lost, check the dip tube.

Information provided by A.O. Smith

Select Power-Vent (by State Industries)

• The water heater requires its own

(separate) venting system

• Permits combined horizontal and vertical vent runs up to 35 feet

• Electrical power required

• Vents with PVC, CPVC, or ABS

Schedule 40 piping

• 3-inch vent cap with screen supplied

• Everlast Blue PEX polymer dip tube

• Minimum 1” foam insulation

• 110/120 Volt electrical system, with 5-foot cord, standard 3-prong male connector

• Factory-installed T&P valve

• 6-year tank warranty

• 2-year parts warranty

18” min.

12” min.

www.dulley.com

Update Bulletin No. 811

Estimated Annual Operating Costs (in $) for

Gas Water Heaters Using Natural Gas

Energy Factor

.44

.46

.48

.50

.52

.54

.56

.58

.60

.62

.64

.66

.68

.42

$143 137 131 126 121 117 112 108 105 101 98 95 93

.46

$157 150 144 138 133 128 123 $11 115 111 108 105 102

.50

$170 163 156 150 144 139 134 129 125 121 117 114 111

.54

$184 176 169 162 156 150 144 139 135 130 126 123 119

.58

$197 189 181 174 167 161 155 150 145 140 136 132 128

.62

$211 202 194 186 179 172 166 160 155 150 145 140 136

.66

$225 215 206 198 190 183 177 170 165 159 154 149 145

.70

$238 228 218 210 202 194 187 181 175 169 164 159 154

.74

$252 241 231 222 213 205 198 191 185 179 173 168 163

.78

$266 254 243 234 225 216 209 201 195 188 183 176 172

.82

$279 267 256 246 236 227 219 212 205 198 192 185 180

.86

$293 280 268 258 248 239 230 222 215 208 201 195 189 vent pipe hot water outlet outlet

page 4

Installation Layout of a

Typical Gas Water Heater flue baffle inlet dip tube inlet water shut off valve draft hood anode cold water inlet gas supply expansion tank temperature and pressure relief valve emblem and rating plate main manual gas shut off valve spark igniter

How to Determine the Payback Period

Determining the payback period will help you decide what model water heater is most economical for you. The table above illustrates that the higher the EF, the lower the annual operating cost. However, a more efficient water heater generally has a higher purchase price.

Therefore, there is a period of time before the savings in the lower operating cost of a more efficient water heater make up for the increased price of that water heater as compared to a less efficient water heater; this is the payback period. It is only after the payback period that you obtain a net savings with the more efficient water heater.

Accordingly, the shorter the payback period, the better.

EXAMPLE: Assume you are intending to buy a gas water heater and your local gas cost is $0.62 per therm. You are comparing two water heaters, Model A and Model B, which both have the same first hour rating.

ground joint union drain pan dirt leg thermostat drain valve outer door filler hinged inner door

Model A

Price of

Water Heater

$400

Energy Factor

0.54

Est. Annual

Cost/Operation

$172 relief 3 /

4

NPT

”

Top View

Model B

Additional Cost of More

Efficient Model (Model B)

Estimated Annual Savings in

Operating Cost for Model B

$500 0.64

$500 - $400 = $100

$172 - $145 = $27

$145

Payback Period $100/$27 per year = 3.7 year

Note: As fuel prices increase, the greater the savings obtained from a more efficient water heater and the shorter the payback period becomes.

1 /

2

” NPT gas inlet drain valve

3 /

4

”

NPT outlet plug anode

3 /

4

”

NPT inlet

Front View

Inlet/Outlet Sizes —

Typically 1inch on 75 gallon models • 1 1 / 2 inches on 100 gallon models

The Gasmaster Burner from Rheem

• 48 ports, 12 precision welds for rugged durability. Precision port alignment provides better flame distribution.

• Energy saving low input, only

350 to 400 Btuh. Easy-to-reach pilot. Well protected to maintain alignment.

• Special design gas orifice.

Factory adaptable to regional natural gas characteristics.

The Flame Guard Safety System from American Water Heater

• Seals the combustion system allowing air to enter only through a special patented stainless steel flame trap.

• Once ignited, the Flame Guard Safety

System is designed so that burning vapors remain inside the water heater’s sealed combustion chamber until the flammable vapors burn out.

• A thermal sensor inside the combustion chamber senses the flammable vapor incident and shuts off gas flow to the burner and pilot light.

Visit www.dulley.com for a listing of all 194 Dulley Update Bulletins available to order by mail for email delivery.