DHI - Resource Section » hot water heater

How much should solar hot water and radiant heat cost in Maryland, USA?

DHI Pros — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:24:59 +0000

I’m getting quotes for a replacement for our hot water heater. So far I’ve gotten 22K for materials and installation of a solar hot water heater (3-4 collector panels) with heat rejection and single zone open direct radiant heating to one floor (accessible through drop ceiling underneath). Both quotes include a backup hot water heating system; the expensive one would involve installing a new backup high efficiency heater by converting our propane tank to use for heating. This would be either the Polaris or 2 Takagi Jrs, one for the solar hot water and another to power the radiant heat.

Another quote is for 12K for only the solar hot water and heat rejection using the Velux system.

Are these really high? I’ve already contacted 3 companies but it doesn’t look like too many people are installing them in Maryland yet. I’m still waiting on a quote from one final company. Thanks!

How much should solar hot water and radiant heat cost in Maryland, USA? is a post from: DHI - Resource Section

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small puddle under hot water heater – problem?

DHI Pros — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:23:48 +0000

I have noticed a small puddle under our hot water heater lately. If I look underneath the heater it looks like its coming down from only one leg. We have sold the house and just had the inspection last week and passed. Could it be from the inspection testing? Condensation? If it is a leak in the tank how do I know and can a plumber detect a leak in the tank or do they always suggest a replacement? Want a cheap solution because moving expenses are eating into cash reserves.
Opened burner assembly. A little wetness where the insulation is.

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Technorati Tags: burner assembly, cash reserves, cheap solution, condensation, hot water heater, insulation, moving expenses, plumber, tank, wetness

Hot water heater element replacement help…?

DHI Pros — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:16:27 +0000

I have a 60 Gallon Giant electric hot water heater. The bottom element has burnt out. I tried to replace it this past weekend, but ran into a snag when I tried to remove the old element. Basically, the element looks to be held into place by 4 large bolts (which are easily removable), but I ran into trouble when I tried to remove it because it won’t budge! It looks like a steel plate, with a plastic rectangular piece on the front of it where the hot wire connectors attach.
I thought that I could simply pull this piece out and the element would be attached to it, but it won’t move and I don’t want to apply too much pressure to it for fear of breaking it. The tank is only 3 years old, but of course, I can’t find the receipt for it so the warranty is no good
Does anyone have any experience with replacing these elements? Do I need a special tool to reef the old one out of there? The manual is of no help of course because it just says ‘remove element’…
Thanks in advance!

Hot water heater element replacement help…? is a post from: DHI - Resource Section

Technorati Tags: 3 years, bolts, electric hot water heater, element, elements, fear, hot water heater, hot wire, plastic rectangular piece, receipt, reef, snag, steel plate, tank, thanks in advance, warranty, wire connectors

Hot water tank replacement prices?

DHI Pros — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:15:33 +0000

What is the regular price for Hot Water heater tank installation? Is 680.00 total expensive? its for a 50g

Hot water tank replacement prices? is a post from: DHI - Resource Section

Technorati Tags: 50g, hot water heater, tank installation, water heater tank