Special Applications - Whirlpool Residential Gas Water Heater Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual

Special Applications

Combination Space Heating/Potable
Water System
Some water heater models are equipped with inlet/
outlet connections for use in space heating applications.
Note: this water heater, "Suitable for combination water
(potable) heating and space heating and not suitable for
space heating applications only." If this water heater is to
be used to supply both space heating and potable (drinking
water), the instructions listed below must be followed.
• Be sure to follow the manual(s) shipped with the air
handler system.
• This water heater is not to be used as a replacement
for an existing boiler installation.
• Do not use with piping that has been treated with
chromates, boiler seal or other chemicals and do not
add any chemicals to the water heater piping.
• If the space heating system requires water tempera-
tures in excess of 120°F, a mixing valve or an anti-
scald device should be installed per its manufacturer's
instructions in the domestic (potable) hot water supply
to limit the risk of scald injury.
• Pumps, valves, piping and fittings must be compatible
with potable water.
• A properly installed flow control valve is required to pre-
vent thermosiphoning. Thermosiphoning is the result
of a continuous flow of water through the air handler
circuit during the off cycle. Weeping (blow off) of the
temperature and pressure relief valve (T & P) or higher
than normal water temperatures are the first signs of
thermosiphoning.
• The domestic hot water line from the water heater
should be vertical past any mixing valve or supply line
to the air handler to remove air bubbles from the sys-
tem. Otherwise, these bubbles will be trapped in the air
handler heat exchanger coil, reducing the efficiency.
• Do not connect the water heater to any system or
components previously used with non-potable water
heating appliances when used to supply potable water.
Some jurisdictions may require a backflow preventer
in the incoming cold water line. This may cause the
temperature and pressure relief valve on the water heater
to discharge or weep due to expansion of the heated water.
A diaphragm-type expansion tank suitable for potable
water will normally eliminate this weeping condition. Please
read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the
installation of such tanks.
Also see "Water System Piping" section for additional
instructions on the proper installation and operation of this
water heater.
Figure 16
Typical Mixing Valve Installation
Combination Space Heating/Potable
Water Heating System
Must be vertical to
Domestic
remove air bubbles
Hot Water
Out
Mixing
Valve
Hot
Water
Out
Unions
Do Not Cap o r Plug
Metal Drain Pan
Floor Drain
Solar Installation
If this water heater is used as a solar storage heater
or as a backup for the solar system, the water supply
temperatures to the water heater tank may be in excess of
120°F. A mixing valve or other temperature limiting valve
must be installed in the water supply line to limit the supply
temperature to 120°F. The unit must be set to Standard
Mode (See Operating the Temperature Control System
section).
NOTE: Solar water heating systems can often supply water
with temperatures exceeding 180°F and may result in water
heater malfunction.
Flow Control
Cold Water Inlet
Pump
Out
To
Air
Handler
Coil
Discharge P ipe
Shut-off
Valve
Handler
6" Maximum
Air Gap
Massachusetts code does
not allow this type installation.
Valve
In
Air
15