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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2015
MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS
01
DO YOUR RESEARCH
It is important to find out what system you
are replacing and to investigate whether the
operational and delivery characteristics are the same as the
model the customer wants you to install. Ask the customer
what their expectations consist of.
By asking various questions you will be able to suggest
and install a system that meets the needs and satisfies
the end users. This in turn can lead to more work through
recommendations.
02
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
For example: mains pressure storage that
relies on either a volume of usable water such
as a gas storage system which will recover or re-heat
during a period of its operation (usually measured in the
first hour). Alternatively, in the case of an electric storage
system, when operating on a night or off peak tariff, will
store/hold the normal daily useable volume to meet the end
users demand.
Be mindful of gas storage water heating systems available
that have minimal recovery performance. Remember,
recovery is ‘horse power’ when it comes to the provision of
hot water for the second or third shower in the peak demand
period and that should be explained to the end user.
03
ASK QUESTIONS
The following questions should all be asked
prior to choosing and installing a system: How
many people? How many bathrooms? What appliances are
connected to the heated water plumbing?
The answers will help determine sizing which needs to
be considered for the customers’ expectations regarding
delivery performance, efficiency and suitability.
04
RUNNING COSTS
What does a star actually represent in gas
reduction? Each star on the energy label sticker
on a domestic gas water heater represents approximately
7% reduction in gas consumption per star and with gas
prices rising; this can mean significant savings for the end
user.
05
KNOW YOUR FLOWRATES
What does 27 litres per minute actually deliver
and at what temperature?
27 litres per minute is at a 25 degree rise from the
incoming cold mains supply water to the property. For at
least six months of the year in southern Australian cities,
the incoming cold water supply temperature will be around
15 degrees and by raising the incoming temperature
by 25 degrees, the provision of approximate showering
temperature is delivered to the fixture.
06
DYNAMIC GAS PRESSURE
When commissioning a gas water heater,
always asses the gas pressure when all other
gas appliances are operating. This is a key commissioning
step to ensure that when peak gas loads are required –
typically during winter months when all appliances are
operating – have adequate gas supply to function correctly.
JON PALFREY
PROVIDES 10 KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN RECOMMENDING A NEW WATER HEATER FOR YOUR
CUSTOMERS.
HOT WATER CLINIC
JON PALFREY