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Tankless Talk

Know exactly what your Sobieski Services technician is talking about.

Ambient Temperature (AMB):

The temperature of the surrounding environment; technically, the temperature of the air surrounding a power supply or cooling medium.

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Anti Scald Valve:

Device used to prevent the risk of scalding by maintaining desired temperature levels, such as when a toilet is flushed and the temperature of the water running to the shower fluctuates.

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Boiling Point (BP):

The temperature at which a liquid turns to gas.

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BTU (British Thermal Unit):

The amount of heat (energy) needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. BTU is used to signify the heating capacity of a system and the heat losses and gains of buildings and homes.

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Check Valve:

A valve permitting liquids or gasses to flow in one direction only.

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Commercial Tankless Water Heater:

A tankless water heater that is able to supply hot water in a situation where demand is higher than that of a single family dwelling.

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Degree Rise:

The difference (rise) in water temperature from the starting point (the temperature of the water entering the system) to the end point (the desired water temperature).

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Direct Vent:

Allows for the drawing in of outside air for combustion and the direct release of combustion gases to the outside.

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Drain Valve:

Allows for drainage of deposit build-up from system; required to maintain maximum energy efficiency.

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Energy Factor (EF):

Indicates a water heater's overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day.

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Efficiency:

The ratio of the performance (output) of a water heater to the energy (input) needed in operating the unit, represented as a percentage. 

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Flow Rate or GPM:

The measure of water flow gallons per minute from a specific source.

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Gas Control:

Device on a water heating system which regulates gas pressure.

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Hard Water:

Water that contains high amounts of magnesium, calcium, or iron salts.

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Head Loss:

The dissipation of energy of moving fluid through a pipe or duct system due to friction created by the pipe wall.

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Heat Exchanger:

A device for transferring heat.

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Incoming Temperature:

The temperature of water entering the unit.

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Input:

The amount of fuel being taken in or supplied to the water heater in any given hour.

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Liquid Propane Gas (LPG or LP):

Another option for fueling a water heater; usually used when natural gas is not available.

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Manifold Installation:

Parallel or reverse flow plumbing of water heaters for large hot water demand applications, such as whole house units.

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Mixing Valve:

Mixes cold water with hot water from the water heater to achieve a specified delivery temperature.

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Natural Gas:

A fuel delivered by a utility distribution system used on gas-fired water heaters.

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Operating Cost:

The cost of running a water heater for a given time period.

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Peak Hour Demand:

Time when the largest demand for hot water is needed.

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Residential:

Water heaters for single family dwellings.

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Safety Shut Off Valve:

A device on a gas appliance which shuts off the gas supply to prevent a hazardous situation. A flame failure safety shut off operates when the actuating flame becomes extinguished. A 100% shut off cuts off all gas including main and pilot burners.

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Therm:

A measurement of heat (energy) equal to 100,000 BTUs.

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Thermal Efficiency:

Ability to transfer and absorb heat from a fuel source into the water.

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Whole House Tankless Water Heater:

Tankless water heaters that have higher flow rates and can typically handle more than one fixture at a time.

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Source: Dictionary.com, U.S. Dept of Energy, DiscountTanklessWaterHeaters.com