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If the hot water flow drops below a minimum flow rate the gas shuts off. This happens often when the water gets too hot at the sink and I turn on some cold, robbing water pressure from the hot water circuit. This doesn't happen in the shower, probably because the shower flow is higher than the lavatory flow. I imagine something similar happens when the pre-heated water results in the water temp getting too high. In fact the shut-off I observe might be because with low flow the trickle of water going through the heater is coming out too hot. Anyway it is a PITA as the water temperature suddenly drops, requiring the hot water to be shut off then turned back on at a rate that works.
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The tankless style works for me but that is not to say that the tank style is bad. I could have gone with it if I had more room.
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appreciate the explanation! i occasionally used a small Paloma heater back in the early 90's, now i am reminded of the finicky hot/cold, on/off, PITA water pressure issues it could have at those lower flow rates in particular, ...with that model anyway. i'm thinking your take on how the low flow rate issue relates to potential problems with a preheated water supply is on the right track. makes sense.
wondering how much a solar batch heater might raise the temp of the water up here for me. would just have to make it and see. shouldn't cost much to make with the salvage parts i have in mind. could be that the hypothermia inducing temperature of the catchment water up here gets preheated to typical lower Puna catchment temps. ha!
anyone ever buy their on-demand water heater from a stall at Maku'u Farmers Market? have a couple friends who said they did for a reasonable price (approx $350 as i recall) and have been satisfied thus far. wondering if anyone else has any feedback, pro or con.
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These are the models I saw at Maku'u (though there were likely larger ones as well)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TXOJQ4/ref=...s_sce_dp_1
Of course, they were quite a bit more $ at Maku'u.
ETA: this old thread
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13967
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terracore, perfect! thanks so much for the links. thinking the larger L10 or the FVI-12 may do the trick. will do some extra research before deciding. looks like the free shipping does indeed apply to Hawaii as well.
mahalos
