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Make Sure Your Hot Water Is Hot Enough!

If you try to save power by reducing your hot water cylinder temperature, you need to be very careful. The following may also happen to you:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/96161836/water-cylinder-warning-after-nelson-bays-family-develops-rash-after-showering

legionella_bacteria_hot_water_systemsCases of Legionella have been popping up as people have fiddled with their hot water cylinders, lowering the temperature in an attempt to save on heating costs. But this can cause a serious problem.

Hot water cylinders should normally be set to a minimum 60°C. At this temperature, bacteria cannot survive, and therefore keeps your water clean. When you set the temperature lower than this, it becomes an optimal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, which is the main concern for hot water systems in New Zealand.

Some people, however, think that by lowering the temperature that the hot water cylinder is set at, they will save power. While this can work, going below 60°C is not safe, because this is the perfect  temperature range for the bacteria to grow.

make_sure_your_hot_water_is_hot_enough

What is Legionella?
Legionella is an aquatic bacteria that lives in warm water conditions. It is the cause of Legionnaires disease and is commonly found in potable water supplies, hot tubs, cooling towers, fountains, swimming pools and so on. It breeds in warm water temperatures of 20-45°C. This is why it is recommended to keep your cylinder above 60°C, they cannot survive at these temperatures.

tempering_valveMost cylinder manufactures these days such as Rheem have a prevention lock on the thermostat which restricts people from reducing the temperature via the thermostat. In most cases, it is only possible with older models, however we have come across several systems where DIYers have dropped the temperature through various methods despite the thermostat lock by manipulating components. This results in damage and invalidation of warranties.

If you are looking for ways to save on water heating, speak to us today about upgrading to a more efficient hot water system. Don’t risk your health to save a few dollars!

 

 

 

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New Range Of Rinnai Mains Pressure Enamel Indoor/Outdoor Cylinders

Rinnai is introducing a new range of mains pressure enamel cylinders for indoor and outdoor installations. This range is the latest addition to their completely revised and improved electric hot water cylinder collection.

Rinnai_mains_pressure_enamel_cylinders

This new range will replace the current Hotflo Mains Pressure Enamel cylinders. The new cylinders feature a coloured steel outer case and are weatherproof, so outdoor fitment is an option. We have been running down our stock levels of the current Hotflo range of cylinders and will be selling the new range as stock depletes.

The new range will also replace some of the existing mains pressure enamel cylinders in the Rinnai range. This table highlights the existing and new range of cylinders:

New_rinnai_mains_pressure_enamel_cylinder_range
pdfRinnai Mains Pressure Enamel Hot Water Cylinders

Please note that the port positions and other dimensions on the new cylinders are different to the current range. This means that it won’t be a straight swap, and some work may be required to fit the new cylinder. Please be aware of this when replacing your cylinder, as it could add to the cost of the installation.

If you are looking at replacing your cylinder and not sure if the new Rinnai mains pressure hot water cylinders will be suitable for you, contact us or give us a call on 0800 429 546 and we will be happy to advise you.

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Read Before You Light Your Gas Cylinder

If you have a gas hot water cylinder in your home, sometimes you may have to shut the gas off or the pilot flame may extinguish which will require you to re-ignite your gas hot water. Here are the “dos and don’ts” before you apply ignition, taken from instructions supplied with gas cylinders.

igniting_your_hot_water_cylinderDO NOT LIGHT HEATER UNTIL FULL OF WATER

Gas water heaters are designed to operate reliably and safely as long as the operating instructions are followed exactly. You must comply with these lighting instructions at every stage.

A. The water heater is equipped with an igniter button which lights the pilot. When lighting the pilot follow these instructions exactly.

B. Before lighting ensure there is no smell of gas around or in the vicinity of the water heater and the burner opening. Be sure to smell next to ground level as some gases can settle there

C. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

    • Do not try to light the water heater
    • If the gas small is throughout the room, turn the gas control knob clockwise to the “●” (off) position and then turn off the ignition valve on the gas line to the water heater.
    • Leave the room and call Rheem Service or a qualified service technician.

D. Use only your hand to turn the gas control knob, never use tools. If the control knob will not turn by hand, don’t try to repair it, call a qualified service technician. Force or attempted repair may cause a fire or explosion.

E. Do not attempt to operate this water heater if it has been damaged. Call a qualified service technician.

LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. STOP, READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION ABOVE.
  2. TURN THE GAS CONTROL KNOB FULLY CLOCKWISE TO THE “●” (OFF) POSITION. REMOVE THE FRONT COVER BELOW THE GAS CONTROL.
  3. WAIT FIVE (5) MINUTES SO ANY BUILD UP OF UNBURNT GAS CAN ESCAPE. IF YOU THEN SMELL GAS, STOP AND FOLLOW THE “C” IN THE SAFETY INFORMATION. IF YOU DO NOT SMELL GAS, PROCEED TO STEP 4.
  4. Turn the knob to the (pilot) position.
  5. Depress the knob fully (until star disappears below housing) and after 30 seconds, whist keeping the knob depressed, repeatedly press the igniter button(for up to 40 seconds ) until the pilot light ignites.
    Warning: Keep your face clear of the combustion chamber opening while pressing the lighter.
    Note: It is not possible to depress the knob fully if the gas control has activated as safety shut-off feature. In this case, wait 60 seconds for the gas control to reset.
  6. Keep the knob depressed for 20 seconds after the pilot flame lights.
  7. Release the knob and check the pilot is still alight. The pilot can be checked by looking through the large opening below the gas control.
  8. If the pilot light has failed to light or has not remained alight, turn the gas control knob to the “” (off) position. Wait five (5) minutes for any unburnt gas to escape and then begin again at step 3.
    Warning: Failure to wait five (5) minutes may result in a fire or explosion.
  9. When the pilot flame remains alight with the gas control knob released, turn the knob anticlockwise to the numbered setting that will provide the water temperature of about 60°C. Refer to the rating label for this setting. Refit the front cover securely.
  10. Turn the knob to a higher number for a high water temperature if required.
  11. If the main burner does not light at the selected setting, the water may already be at the selected temperature.
    Note: Never press the igniter button while the top knob is in a numbered position.

TO TURN OFF GAS APPLIANCE

  1. TURN THE GAS CONTROL KNOB TO THE “●” (OFF) POSITION.
  2. TURN OFF GAS ISOLATION VALVE
    To maintain safety and efficiency, this heater should be serviced annually by an authorized service agent.

Following these instructions will ensure that you operate your gas hot water cylinder safely and any risk is minimised. If you need assistance or are unsure how to do these steps, call us on 0800 429 546 before doing anything to your cylinder.