User Manual

SAVE A SERVICE CALL
43
WATER FLOW FLUCTUATES
More than one or two hot taps (12, 16 and 20 models) or more than two or three hot taps (24 and 26 models)
in use at the same time may cause a decrease in the hot water flow from the taps. This can also be evident if
the water heater has been installed as an in-series gas booster to a solar water heater and the solar heated
water is at a low temperature.
 Are there more than one or two hot taps (12, 16 and 20 models) or more than two or three hot taps (24 and
26 models) open, or are appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine, in use at the same time?
Ensure only one or two hot taps (12, 16 and 20 models) or more than two or three hot taps (24 and
26 models) or appliances are on at the one time.
 Check the flow of the water from one tap, e.g. the shower.
The shower should be adjusted so the hot tap is fully open.
GAS BOOSTER OPERATING TOO FREQUENTLY
If the water heater is installed as an in-series gas booster to a solar water heater, you may find that the water
heater operates more frequently than expected. This will occur when the solar heated water temperature is
lower than 58°C, which may be experienced during periods of low solar energy gain or if there has been heavy
hot water usage. Factors to consider are:
 Hot tap not used recently
If a hot tap has not been used for a while, the water in the pipe work between the solar storage tank and
the in-series gas booster may have cooled down. The in-series gas booster will sense the cooler water
and this will cause the burners on the water heater to ignite and boost the water temperature when a hot
tap is first turned on. The burners will extinguish when solar heated water of 58°C or higher from the solar
storage tank reaches the in-series gas booster (refer also to “Fan Continues to Run after Water Heater
Operation Stops” on page 43).
 Insufficient sunlight
Insufficient sunlight due to cloudy weather during hotter months or low solar energy contribution in colder
months may mean the in-series gas booster operates more often.
 Collectors shaded
If trees or other objects shade the solar collectors or if the glass is dirty, the effectiveness of the solar
collectors will be greatly reduced. Have the trees trimmed or the solar collectors relocated if the obstruction
is permanent or clean the collector glass.
Ensure the glass on your solar collectors is free of dust, salt spray or any other matter, which may reduce
the effectiveness of the solar collectors. If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if the solar
collectors are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar collectors
are cool.
 Collector area is too small
For most installations, the number of solar collectors recommended in Rheem literature has been proven
to provide the required solar energy to meet the average family needs. However, in some circumstances,
it may be necessary to install an additional solar collector.
 Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think?
Very often it is not realised the amount of hot water used, particularly when showering. Carefully review
the family’s hot water usage. As you have installed an energy saving appliance, energy saving should
also be practised in the home. Adjust your water usage pattern to take advantage of maximum solar gains.
Have your plumber install a flow control valve to each shower outlet, basin and sink to reduce water usage.
 Water heater size
Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements?
The sizing guide in the sales literature and on the Rheem website (AU – www.rheem.com.au or NZ –
www.rheem.co.nz) suggests average sizes that may be needed.
FAN CONTINUES TO RUN AFTER WATER HEATER OPERATION STOPS
It is the normal operation of the water heater for the fan to continue running after heating of the water is finished.
The fan may run for up to two minutes after the burners extinguish, to prepare for the next ignition.