Paloma Water Heater 5.3
(PH-20) Review
Paloma water heater 5.3 / PH-20 series review. 5.3 models are
using
the tankless technology to provide an instant water heating for
residential use, on demand and in endless supply. Built as the direct
vent models, for indoor and outdoor installation, these tankless and
gas-powered water heaters are high
efficiency and Energy Star compliant.
Specification and Models
Flow
rates
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 the incoming cold water
temperature
is 60 F (16 C). In northern and colder areas, where incoming water is
40 F (4 C) the supply is less than 4 gallons per minute.
With the above flow rates, Paloma water heaters are able to
provide
enough hot
water for up
to two simultaneous showers and supply small size residential homes,
condos and apartments.
Use
Paloma water heater 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...).
Models
With the respect of venting options and installing
location, Paloma 5.3 water
heaters can be found as:
-
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
Power and efficiency
Every Paloma water heater 5.3 is considered as
high efficient unit with the energy factor of 0.82. Heater's thermal efficiency of
82%
is achieved through
the intelligent electronic controls, designed also to provide high
safety for the unit and users.
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.
Requirements
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 must be installed
and protect the unit from the excessive pressure.
Temperature adjustment
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.
Venting
Options
Indoor models
Paloma water heater 5.3 PH-20R IFSN is the indoor model that 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 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.
Outdoor models
Paloma
water heater 5.3 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 water heater 5.3 models 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 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.
Manuals
Outdoor PH-20R OFN(P) and Indoor PH-20R IFSN(P)
You can buy
Paloma water heater 5.3 series online at Amazon.com
or www.pexsupply.com (and see reviews) 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 Energy Star rated.
(Pictures courtesy of Paloma)
More about Tankless