Water Heaters - Portable LP Tank & Tankless Water Heater
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ID10T
01-06-09, 02:24 AM
I would like to add a tankless water heater to my hangar for hand washing and cleaning parts etc. I'm off the grid and have no services whatsoever except for water. Here's the question: Is it a good idea to consider using a portable propane tank and a small tankless water heater?
I'm not familiar with the fuel consumption of the small tankless water heaters and don't know if the proposed idea is worth considering.
If so; what would a recommended LP tank size be along with gas piping recommendations and regulator.
All suggestions are welcome.
Thank you,
I'm not familiar with the fuel consumption of the small tankless water heaters and don't know if the proposed idea is worth considering.
If so; what would a recommended LP tank size be along with gas piping recommendations and regulator.
All suggestions are welcome.
Thank you,
hankhill6018
01-06-09, 02:58 AM
To properly answer your question some additional information is needed such as the make and model of the water heater you're proposing and more importantly the BTU load of the water heater. With that said....
Generally speaking, a "portable" propane tank will not sufficiently supply the gas demand of a tankless hot water heater. The smallest tank that may work would be a 100# cyl. To do it right, you would need a 420# tank (100 gals).
I would recommend the gas line from the tank to the heater be 3/4 inch ID Iron Pipe. A twin stage regulator is needed @ the propane tank.
Generally speaking, a "portable" propane tank will not sufficiently supply the gas demand of a tankless hot water heater. The smallest tank that may work would be a 100# cyl. To do it right, you would need a 420# tank (100 gals).
I would recommend the gas line from the tank to the heater be 3/4 inch ID Iron Pipe. A twin stage regulator is needed @ the propane tank.
boilersrus
01-06-09, 09:25 PM
I would definitely check out some of the "Rheem" tankless water heaters that are wall mounted and direct-vent. ;)
Since you will be using the hot water for hand washing, a slop sink, and some parts washing, and perhaps a shower or washing down a plane once in a while, you should be able to get by on a 40# propane tank comfortably. You can also go with 2-40# tanks with an automatic switch-over and a green/red indicator to let you know when one of the tanks is empty. (40# tanks are refillable by a consumer transporting them to a refilling station in most states, where the 100# tanks are not) Refilling costs about $25-$35, depending which state you are in.
Depending on the tankless hot water heater you purchase you can have a local B-B-Q & propane shop give you the proper regulator and tank set-up for your application. You need to know the firing rate or the BTUs of the unit to get the proper regulator.
:alarm:If you are doing the plumbing for the propane yourself, you better check your local, county, and state codes to see if you are allowed to do this. Many areas now require that you be licensed when doing propane or gas. Some areas also require that you be licensed if you are working with potable water.
Hot water heater=$1000
Regulator & automatic switch-over with indicator=$100
2-40# tanks=$140
80# propane=$70
Safety=PRICELESS:D
Since you will be using the hot water for hand washing, a slop sink, and some parts washing, and perhaps a shower or washing down a plane once in a while, you should be able to get by on a 40# propane tank comfortably. You can also go with 2-40# tanks with an automatic switch-over and a green/red indicator to let you know when one of the tanks is empty. (40# tanks are refillable by a consumer transporting them to a refilling station in most states, where the 100# tanks are not) Refilling costs about $25-$35, depending which state you are in.
Depending on the tankless hot water heater you purchase you can have a local B-B-Q & propane shop give you the proper regulator and tank set-up for your application. You need to know the firing rate or the BTUs of the unit to get the proper regulator.
:alarm:If you are doing the plumbing for the propane yourself, you better check your local, county, and state codes to see if you are allowed to do this. Many areas now require that you be licensed when doing propane or gas. Some areas also require that you be licensed if you are working with potable water.
Hot water heater=$1000
Regulator & automatic switch-over with indicator=$100
2-40# tanks=$140
80# propane=$70
Safety=PRICELESS:D
SeattlePioneer
01-07-09, 10:17 AM
Personally, I found it a nuisance to have to go fill the propane tank for my gas barbecue once in a while. I wound up buying a natural gas barbecue when I found one at a Sears outlet (and repaired the gas leak on it that was no doubt the reason it was there).
Running out of HW while I was in a shower would probably discourage me pretty easily!
The other issue that has been alluded to is that a propane tank has to be able to absorb enough heat from the surrounding air to boil liquid propane and produce gas that can be used by your equipment. Especially in cold weather and with equipment like a small boiler --- that may not work with a small tank.
If you don't have enough gas, the hot water temperature will drop, or the boiler may shut off ----cold shower again.
But you off the grid types may be more rugged than us namby pamby types.
A good propane dealer should be able to answer this question for you based on your local conditions and the BTU input of the equipment you want to buy. They may be willing to shine you on to get the sale, though.
Another possibility would be to ask a regular propane dealer (one who delivers in trucks) what size tank you need for the BTU input of the equipment you are considering. They should have the expertise to give you a good answer since they typically sell and install tanks.
Running out of HW while I was in a shower would probably discourage me pretty easily!
The other issue that has been alluded to is that a propane tank has to be able to absorb enough heat from the surrounding air to boil liquid propane and produce gas that can be used by your equipment. Especially in cold weather and with equipment like a small boiler --- that may not work with a small tank.
If you don't have enough gas, the hot water temperature will drop, or the boiler may shut off ----cold shower again.
But you off the grid types may be more rugged than us namby pamby types.
A good propane dealer should be able to answer this question for you based on your local conditions and the BTU input of the equipment you want to buy. They may be willing to shine you on to get the sale, though.
Another possibility would be to ask a regular propane dealer (one who delivers in trucks) what size tank you need for the BTU input of the equipment you are considering. They should have the expertise to give you a good answer since they typically sell and install tanks.
hankhill6018
01-08-09, 03:06 AM
The other issue that has been alluded to is that a propane tank has to be able to absorb enough heat from the surrounding air to boil liquid propane and produce gas that can be used by your equipment. Especially in cold weather and with equipment like a small boiler --- that may not work with a small tank.
You are correct. I may not have been clear in my last post but a 40 pound cylinder will not be able to produce enough vapor to properly run a tankless water heater.
You are correct. I may not have been clear in my last post but a 40 pound cylinder will not be able to produce enough vapor to properly run a tankless water heater.