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11
GAS BOOSTER OPERATING TOO FREQUENTLY
You may find that the gas booster water heater operates more frequently than expected. This will occur
when the solar preheat water temperature is lower than 58°C, which may be experienced during
periods of low solar energy gain or if there has been heavy hot water usage. Factors to consider are:
•
Hot tap used recently
If a hot tap has not been used for a while, the water in the pipe work between the solar water
heater and the gas booster water heater may have cooled down. The water heater will sense the
cooler water and this will cause the burners on the water heater to ignite and boost the water
temperature when a hot tap is first turned on. The burners will extinguish when solar preheated
water above 58°C from the solar storage tank reaches the water heater (refer to
“Fan Continues to
Run after Water Heater Operation Stops”
on page 11).
•
Insufficient sunlight
Insufficient sunlight due to cloudy weather during summer months or low solar energy contribution
in winter months may mean the gas booster operates more often.
•
Collectors shaded
If trees or other objects shade the solar collectors or if the glass is dirty, the effectiveness of the
solar collectors will be greatly reduced. Have the trees trimmed or the solar collectors relocated if
the obstruction is permanent or clean the collector glass.
Ensure the glass on your solar collectors is free of dust, salt spray or any other matter, which may
reduce the effectiveness of the solar collectors. If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if
the solar collectors are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the
solar collectors are cool.
•
Collector area is too small
For most installations, the number of solar collectors recommended in Solahart literature has been
proven to provide the required solar energy to meet the average family needs. However, in some
circumstances, it may be necessary to install an additional solar collector.
•
Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think?
Very often it is not realised the amount of hot water used, particularly when showering. Carefully
review the family’s hot water usage. As you have installed an energy saving appliance, energy
saving should also be practised in the home. Adjust your water usage pattern to take advantage of
maximum solar gains.
Have your plumber install a flow control valve to each shower outlet, basin and sink to reduce water
usage.
•
Water heater size
Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements? The sizing guide in the sales
literature and on the Solahart website
(www.solahart.com.au)
suggests average sizes that may be
needed.
FAN CONTINUES TO RUN AFTER WATER HEATER OPERATION STOPS
It is the normal operation of the water heater for the fan to continue running after heating of the water is
finished. The fan may run for up to six minutes after the burners extinguish, to prepare for the next
ignition.
