Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "Why is the max flow lower for the staged turn on?"
A.The heating modules are set up differently to accommodate different flow rates.
Q. "What's the difference between the parallel turn on and the staged turn on?"
A. The parallel turn on will give you a higher maximum flow rate, and it needs a higher flow rate to turn on than the staged turn on. The staged turn on will turn on with a lower flow rate, and it handles a lower maximum flow rate than the parallel turn on.
Q. "How does the staged turn on work?"
A. Staged turn on models only use the heating modules needed to produce the desired output temperature.
Q. "Does the kW listed under each model represent the amount of energy they use if all the heating elements are on?"
A. Yes, the specification for kilowatt usage for all models show the maximum wattage with all heating elements on.
Q. "Is it possible to drain a tankless water heater to prevent freeze damage when not in use?"
A. Yes. Simply drain both lines 'to' and 'from' the unit. As long as there are no check valves in the way, that should drain the water from the unit. To guarantee that there is no water in the unit, we recommend two drain valves - one before and one after the unit - as well as blowing air through the water line.
Q. "If these units don't have a tank, how do they know when to turn on?"
A. The tankless water heaters have a flow switch built into them. When you turn on (open) the hot side of a faucet the water then moves (travels). Once the water is traveling at 3/4 of a gallon per minute or faster most tankless water heater switches will then turn on the gas or electricity. For this Eemax whole house model Ex280T2T, the turn on rate is .7 gallons per minute (GPM).
Q. "Can I replace my existing tank type water heater with a tankless water heater?"
A. Yes, but there are specific requirements that will need to be addressed. Gas units will require a larger, special vent pipe and a larger gas supply line that not only will supply the water heater, but all other appliances on that gas pipe run. Electric units will require larger gauge wire and breakers than most tank type water heaters.
Q. "There are many companies selling all kinds of tankless water heaters. Why should I buy an instantaneous electric water heater from you rather than elsewhere?"
A. We are a large, reputable company that was here yesterday and we will be here tomorrow. We are often copied, but we don't believe that any one can match our service and certainly our base of satisfied customers is larger than any Internet plumbing supplier since 1995. We sell 1000's of other quality plumbing products as well, so you can rest assured that we know plumbing products. We are a very stable and reputable company. We love to sell what we believe in, and we definitely believe in the quality of Eemax for their superior electric-tankless water heaters.
Q. "In the specifications for the Eemax Ex280T2T, you note the 'temperature rise' based on the GPM flow; what do you mean by this?"
A. Temperature rise is the amount the heater raises the temperature of the incoming water, based on the flow rate shown. In the specifications shown above for the EX280-T2T, there is a 65°F rise in temperature at a 3 gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate.
Q. "Will an instantaneous water heater save me money on my utility bills?"
A. In many applications you can see a savings. There are some variables that could reduce the amount you save. One example is you will not run out of hot water, so longer showers could cut into your savings. Also, the cost of electricity, propane and natural gas in your area will affect the amount of money saved. The higher the cost for the energy type used to heat your water, the quicker you can recover the higher initial cost of installing a tankless versus tank style water heater.
Q. "Will an instantaneous water heater save me money on my utility bills?"
A. In many applications you can see a savings. There are some variables that could reduce the amount you save. One example is you will not run out of hot water, so longer showers could cut into your savings. Also, the cost of electricity, propane and natural gas in your area will affect the amount of money saved. The higher the cost for the energy type used to heat your water, the quicker you can recover the higher initial cost of installing a tankless versus tank style water heater.
Positives:
- You will never run out of hot water. "You want an hour long shower? No problem!"
- Electric units can be installed at the point of use.
- You're not paying energy costs to heat water 24 hours a day.
- Our electric units don't require a T&P valve (no tank!) - if code allows.
- Installing a tankless water heater can indeed be a bonus to the environment. (Why choose wastefulness when we're talking about finite natural resources?)
Negatives:
- They all need a minimum flow rate & pressure to turn on.
- Electric units need heavy gauge wire, while gas units need a much larger, special flue pipe and larger gas supply than a conventional water heater.
- At times they can produce very hot water. It's easier to get scalded - but this is easily mitigated with anti-scald valves.
- With some brands, parts are hard to find (not a negative if you originally purchase from us, as we like to carry parts for the units that we sell).
Summary:
Tankless water heaters have their place. They're not "the answer" to every hot water need, but if they're used correctly they can be the solution to many of them.
Q. "I'm hearing a lot about lead-free these days. What does that have to do with plumbing products and how does the new lead-free legislation affect me?"
A. Basically, the laws implemented Jan. 1st, 2014 require plumbing products that come in contact with drinking water to be "essentially lead free" (less than 0.25% weighted average). For further information about how the law determines what is "lead free", rules regarding which plumbing products must be "lead free", and who these laws will affect, please view our page.
