Paloma
Tankless Water Heater 7.4 (PH-28R) Review
Paloma tankless water heater 7.4 review.
PH-28R or 7.4 models are high
volume, whole-house units, designed to provide an endless hot
water, instantaneous and only when you need it. With the newest
gas features and tankless technology implemented, Paloma 7.4 models are
high efficient
and great performers.
With the respect of venting
option and installing location, Paloma
7.4 tankless water
heaters are available as:
-
Direct Vent - PH-28R DVSN(P) (P for propane)
-
Indoor models - PH-28R IFSN(P)
-
Outdoor - PH-28R OFN(P)
Technical data
Power and efficiency
Every Paloma tankless water heater from this group is able to
work with the maximum
gas
input of
199,900 BTU/hr and is considered as high efficiency, with the energy
factor of 0.82 and thermal efficiency 84%.
This is mainly done with a
help of
the intelligent electronic system, designed also to provide high
safety environment for its users.
With a gas modulating valve, PH-28R Paloma tankless water
heater
adjusts its
power, based on the water flow demand and temperature, and it can work
in a range from minimum 19,000 to 199,900 BTU.
Temperature settings
Maximum hot water temperature is factory-set on 120 F but it
can be adjusted to up to 140 F for residential models.
Capacity and flow rate
With 314 gallons of hot water per
hour, Paloma tankless 7.4 models are high volume units, and
are able to provide enough hot water for up
to three simultaneous showers and supply middle size residential homes.
Use this value as a reference for
southern, warmer areas (Sunbelt), where the incoming cold water
temperature
is 60 F; in northern and colder areas, where incoming water is 40 F and
the supply is 5.2 gallons per minute.
In order to start and protect the water heater at the same
time, minimum cold water flow has to be
met, which is for PH-28R models 0.66 gallons per minute and minimum
pressure of 14
psi.
At the same time to prevent inner parts from malfunctioning, maximum
allowed
water pressure is 150 psi. TPR valve, which is must to installed, was
designed and tested on that pressure.
Venting
Options
PH-28R OFN is the Paloma 7.4 outdoor
model that cannot be installed indoors and in any other
position except
vertical. Due to the negative influence of cold weather and freezing
temperatures, recommendation is to protect your tankless water heater,
hot and cold water lines with a proper insulation.
PH-28R IFSN (P) is the Paloma tankless water heater
for indoor installation only. For the proper
work and safety, a proper venting material has to be mounted on the
heater, with a termination suitable for Category III venting.
These indoor models are using one-pipe system to
discharge flue gases, 4" in
diameter, UL approved and Category III stainless steel, while the air
for combustion is used from the inside. Fresh air must be supplied
through two equal openings properly sized, either from the outside or
other room. Venting pipes can be run horizontally or vertically
and with an adequate termination.
Recommendation is to install a vent with a slight downward
slope of
horizontal run toward the outside so the formed condensate can securely
leave the unit. If the downward slope is not possible, or the pipe is
run vertically, than condensate trap has to be installed.
As these tankless models are installed indoor, there is always
potential
hazard of carbon monoxide leak. That is why Paloma is using an
exclusive sensing burner and ICAD safety system not only to optimize
combustion and make the unit greener, but to shut the water heater down
in case of raised level of carbon monoxide.
Paloma direct
vent water heaters, PH-28R DVSN, must be installed with a 2/4"
diameter, UL approved
and Category III coaxial stainless steel vent pipe, horizontally or
vertically run and with a proper termination.
Features and Benefits
Paloma
tankless water heater 7.4 can be connected with another residential gas
unit to gain even more
power, by using DUOnex Cable that has to be purchased separately.
Combining its power, the First Hour hot water supply will reach amazing
516 gallons, while 100 gallon tank type will have only 135 gallons max.
The ignition device automatically lights the burner
and eliminates the need for pilot light
and energy waste. It is very easy to use, and together with built-in
electric blower contributes in rising the thermal efficiency.
Paloma tankless water heater brings also 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,
you can
define what is the possible cause (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).
Other benefits and safety features can also be found in the
article
about Paloma water
heating here.
You can buy Paloma tankless water heater from 7.4 series
online at Amazon.com
or www.pexsupply.com and check the reviews also)
from $900 or in Home Depot both Canada
and US. Keep in mind that 7.4 series qualifies for the 2009 Federal
Tankless Tax Credit as it is
Ene yStar rated.
Manuals
Indoor PH-28R IFSN(P) and Outdoor PH-28R
OFN(P)
(Pictures courtesy of Paloma)
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