Decision Made...Going to Electric Hot Water Tank. A Few Questions.

[mikeangelini]

Hello all,

After reading many posts here on the forum, I am going to switch over to electric hot water. I have some specific questions. Here is some background info:

-1300 sq. foot house in PA.
-Currently using 3 year old Weil-Mclain Gold boiler with Honeywell 8124 Aquastat, and an on demand coil. 2 heating zones.
-The boiler is located in the garage in unconditioned space. (the hot water tank will be right next to the boiler.
-2 adults one child in house. IMO, we use an above average amount of hot water for that size family.
-Buying a 50 gallon Whirlpool or Rheem electric hot water heater (.92 efficiency) 6 year warranty. The cheaper model Depot or Lowes.

Questions:

1. After talking to my heating oil comany, I was told that I can convert my boiler to a cold start by removing the blue wire, and setting the high cut-off to 160*. Is this the correct procedure?

2. Is it a good idea to go to cold start?

3. If I DO go to cold start, is there any condensation issues or any other issues associated with having a hot water tank in a colder space? (the boiler room is currently always hot because the boiler is at temperature all the time.)

4. I want to disconnect the on demand coil. Will it be more efficient to empty the water contents of the coil, or leave it full of water?

5. What is the best way to button up the coil? (Caps, blow-offs, etc.)

6. Since the hot water heater will be in unconditioned space, should I wrap the tank with insulation? Can this cause any issues?

Thanks a lot. You guys are a lot of help, and I appreciate any advice you may have.

Mike Angelini~

[hj]

4. I want to disconnect the on demand coil. Will it be more efficient to empty the water contents of the coil, or leave it full of water?

If it is immersed in the water jacket it makes no difference.

5. What is the best way to button up the coil? (Caps, blow-offs, etc.)

It makes no difference unless the coil develops a leak and then caps are all that are necessary.

6. Since the hot water heater will be in unconditioned space, should I wrap the tank with insulation? Can this cause any issues?

The heater is adequately insulated already and some manufacturers recommend NOT wrapping the tank.

Unless you are heating with oil, why are you using an electric heater. The efficiency rating is actual, but the operating costs are usually more than a gas heater.

[mikeangelini]

Hello,
Thanks for your reply. I am still going to heat with oil. The electric water heater was to get rid of the tankless coil that was burning us and running the $4.20/ galllon oil all summer long for only hot water. I was also hoping to convert to a cold start boiler becuase I read that it can be more efficient thankeeping the boiler hot at all times.