Tank less space heating water heaters only need a small space close to the sink and this means that you save a lot of space with this system. Some systems are more efficient than the traditional heaters and will give reduced utility costs. A super efficient tank less gas water heater used as a space heating water heater can provide 125 gallons of hot water per hour, so it functions like an instant water heater. The energy efficiency of the boiler or hot water tank storage system comes from the dual use, which reduces standing water heat loss and offsets electric energy use with natural gas. The Department of Energy reports that methods which use only one heat source for both water and air generally lower domestic energy use by 27%.
How It Works
There are a number of commercially available gas water heaters that provide both space heating and hot water. The designs have one principle heat source shared between two other pieces of equipment, a tank water heater and an air handler and these make up a space heating water heater system.
One method comprises a high output heating tank which is connected to an air handler by means of a coiled pipe loop. The pipe coil gives auxiliary heat for the air handler in a heat pump system, through the action of a heat exchanger. This forces hot air out and a blower circulates it through the house in heating ducts whilst the heated water is ready in the tank for domestic use.
The second type of space heating water heater comprises a boiler which gives hot water to the radiant heating loops and a storage tank for heated water. In place of using a boiler, a tank less gas water heater can provide instant heated water for domestic use and service a heat loop. Tank less hot water heaters are usually situated fairly close to the point of use, which is generally the bathroom or kitchen and only give localized space heating and instant heated water in one outlet. Boilers, on the other hand, can be large enough to supply an entire house.
Installation
The capacity of a space heating water heater needs to be carefully controlled, so each installation should be carried out by someone who has expert skill with that particular system. You can install space heating hot water systems in new buildings or use them for remodeling. When setting up a space heating water heating system you need a higher output quick recovery unit for some systems, like an electric forced hot air handler serviced by a heating coil from the water heater.
Space heating water heater installation should be done by a licensed HVAC trade contractor working with a licensed plumber if part of the system is a water heater. A boiler system can be plumbed in by an HVAC contractor or a plumber. In new homes the space heating water heaters are usually designed as a modular or integral system, so in place of a separate water heater and furnace, only one unit is needed.
You can also get retrofit units which use the existing water heater but consult a plumbing supplies expert for more information. You need lengths of copper pipe for the pump attachment on the heat distribution line. An alternative is plastic piping which has been approved in certain locations. Conventional galvanized ducts are used for space heating water heater systems and need to be sealed carefully to avoid air leakage or let dust get into the system.