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Home > Paloma Water Heater > Paloma 5.3 series Reviews

Paloma Water Heaters 5.3 Review

Review of direct, indoor and outdoor Vent models

There are three Paloma water heaters models from 5.3 series that we will review in this article. All models are tankless and for residential water heating, designed to provide an instant, on demand and endless hot water. Paloma 5.3 gas models are high efficiency and EnergyStar recognized.

Paloma tankless 5.3 series models have 145,000 BTU/hr gas input, with a maximum supply of 5.3 gallons per minute, or up to 223 gallons per hour (with 64 F (18 C) rise). These numbers are calculated for southern, warmer areas (Sunbelt), where incoming cold water temperature is 60 F (16 C); in northern and colder areas, where incoming water is 40 F (4 C) and the supply is less than 4 gallons per minute.

Models from the 5.3 series can use both natural gas and propane for domestic water heating but are not intended for space heating applications. They also require 120 VAC to run electronic components (blower, diagnostic system, electrodes...).

With the respect of venting options and installing location, Paloma 5.3 water heaters can be divided into next three models:

PH-20R DVSN(P) (P for propane) with direct venting option

PH-20R OFN(P) for outdoor installation

PH-20R IFSN(P) for indoor installation

All models from 5.3 series are considered as high efficient water heaters with the energy factor of 0.82. Heater's thermal efficiency 82% is achieved through the intelligent electronic controls, designed also to provide high safety for the unit and users.

paloma water heaters

Modulating burner on 5.3 series Paloma water heaters allows adjustable thermal output, and it depends on the water flow and temperature.

Indoor models can provide a power between 21,600 and 145,000 BTUs/hr for natural gas (maximum of 141,000 is for LP); outdoor model works between 21,600 and 141,000 and direct vent between 21,600 and 141,000 for natural gas and 135,000 for propane.

These whole house tankless water heaters are able to provide enough hot water for up to two simultaneous showers and supply small size residential homes.

In order to start and protect the heater at the same time, minimum cold water flow has to be met, which is 0.66 gallons per minute with a minimum pressure of 14 psi. At the same time to prevent inner parts from malfunctioning, maximum allowed water pressure is 150 psi. This is why TPR valve has to be installed and protect the unit from the excessive pressure.

Maximum hot water temperature is factory-set on 120 F (49 C) but it can be adjusted to up to 140 F (60 C) by using MAIN (UMC-117) remote control or dip switch adjustment.

Paloma Tankless 5.3 Water Heater - Venting Options

Paloma indoor tankless water heaters must be installed inside only. For the proper and safe work, a proper venting material has to be mounted on the unit, with a termination suitable for Category III venting.

Indoor models, PH-20R IFSN (P), are using one-pipe system, 3" in diameter to discharge the flue gases out, UL approved and Category III stainless steel. The air for gas combustion is used from the inside.

Fresh air must be supplied through the provisions that comply with local codes and standards, either from the outside or other room. Venting pipes can be run horizontally or vertically and with an adequate termination.

Paloma water heaters outdoor models, PH-20R OFN, has to be installed outside only, but not inside or in manufactured (mobile homes) and in any other position except vertical. Due to freezing outside temperatures, recommendation is to protect your tankless water heater, both hot and cold water lines with a proper insulation. Venting is not required for outdoor installations.

Paloma water heaters, direct vent , PH-20R DVSN, must be installed with a 3/5" diameter, UL approved and Category III coaxial stainless steel vent pipe horizontally or vertically run and with a proper termination. It is not designed for installation outdoor, mobile homes, bathrooms or any occupied rooms that are usually kept closed.

Features & Benefits

Paloma tankless 5.3 water heater can be connected with another unit into DUO system, to gain even more power, by installing it in the manifold system using a DUOnex Cable. Combining its power, the First Hour delivery will reach great 360 gallons, while 100 gallon tank type water heater will have only 135 gallons max.

In this case water piping must be in "Parallel". The main remote control connected to the manifold controller (MIC-180) will have priority over the one connected to the water heater.

5.3 series tankless water heaters are using an ignition device which automatically lights the burner and eliminates the need for pilot light and reduces energy waste.

All of the electronic Paloma tankless 5.3 components are connected to the computerized self diagnostic program and error code display, which helps in troubleshooting and repairs.

Using the manual and error code on the unit; like 11, 12, 15, it is easy to troubleshoot (valve is not open, low water flow, low gas pressure...) and how to repair it (open the faucet to increase the flow, or call the service).

Safety features like ICAD safety system and Overheat limiter Wrap and what are their benefits can also be found in the article about Paloma water heating, here.

You can buy Paloma tankless water heater from 5.3 series online at Amazon.com or www.pexsupply.com from $680 or in Home Depot both Canada and US. Keep in mind that 5.3 series qualifies for the 2009 Federal Tankless Tax Credit as it is EnergyStar rated.

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