Water heaters don’t technically have many moving parts, and yet may be one of the most complicated and misunderstood piece of equipment in a coin or card operated laundry business. Oh, we all know what water heaters do but we don’t ever have to think about them until something goes wrong. And then it’s usually not with the heater but with the pump.
Water heaters use heat from the burning of natural gas, or other fuel, and transfer created heat to the water as it goes through tubes in the heater’s combustion chamber. You should make sure it operates as efficiently as possible if only because it will save a laundry lots of money.
Most laundries use more -efficient natural gas. Every cubic foot of gas -releases about 1050 BTU’s (British Thermal Units) of heat. The heater’s energy -efficiency -rating is the ratio between the heating value of the natural gas and BTU output of the temperature of the -water as it is heated up.
When a water heater inputs 490,000 BTU’s, and water is heated to give 390,000 BTU’s, it has an energy -efficiency rating of 80%. Most of the older laundry heaters seem to run in that range. (390,000/490,000 = 80%)
There are two types of water -heaters used for a laundry. They are the standard and condensing types. The latter have extra- features built in to improve the efficiency, but they will be priced higher than standard water heaters usually found in laundries. For cost of operation, condensing are usually better. Coin laundries tend to use- -standard water heater systems because of -availability and lower purchase costs.
According to industry standards, if you have an efficiency rating higher than 84%, there will be some condensation on the heater’s tubes, or along the coils that run through the heater to transfer heat to the water.
If a heater has too much condensation, it could cause the coils to rust and it lowers the life expectancy of the heater. A condensing water heater has -special heat exchangers to handle the corrosive -nature of the effects of condensation. They also will have drain lines built in to dispose of the condensing so liquids can not accumulate on the -bottom of the -water heater and cause corrosion.
In the standard -category, there are low, -medium and high -efficiency water heating units. High efficiency standard units can reach as high as 84%. A -medium -efficiency unit operates in the 70% ranges. The low efficiency units are below that 70% range.
A standard water heater with an -efficiency of 82% and above, might qualify for the types of rebate -programs now being run by some utility companies. If you’re considering a new water heater, don’t buy -unless and until you have checked with your local gas company to see if they have a rebate program available.
The more efficient the water heater, the more energy you save. That is important because you can save about $150 per year for -every point gained in water heater efficiency.
Some of the latest designs in water heating systems are claimed to be in the 90% plus range for efficiency. Those who have failed systems and need to replace really can benefit from these newer, more efficient systems. They will provide the same heat for a lot less gas. As our readers know, gas costs money.
If you are thinking about replacing a heater, consider getting a high efficiency model that has been designed to stop corrosion and will have a longer life. Also make sure it is -approved by -local air quality control organizations.
By the way, how long has it been since you last checked on the temperature of hot water in your -laundry? If the water temperatures are higher than is really necessary, then you’re wasting money. So, over the next few weeks, drop the water temperature back a notch or two until you start receiving complaints. -At that point stop, tick it up a notch and leave it be. Customers let you know which setting is needed. That will save you lots of money too. | 