Rinnai SPLIT SOLAR Operation & Installation Manual page 11

INSUFFICIENT OR NO HOT WATER (cont)
Booster heating not
operating or insufficient gas
supply for gas boosted
heating system
Booster thermostat settings
HIGH ELECTRICITY OR GAS BILL
Hot water usage patterns
High electricity cost
Solar control unit switched
off
Temperature and pressure
relief valve / expansion
control valve discharging
water continuously
Lack of solar gain
Rinnai Australia
SAVE A SERVICE CALL
Electric boosted Systems:
•
Check to ensure the electric isolating switch(es) at the switchboard (usually
marked "Hot water" or "water heater") is switched 'ON'.
•
Check to ensure that the electric fuses for hot water at the switchboard are intact
•
If running on Off-Peak, discuss boosting times with electricity supplier.
Gas Boosted Systems:
•
Check to ensure the power cord of the gas booster is plugged in and switched 'on'
•
Check gas is available and the isolation valve is opened
•
Close the hot tap and wait for 10 seconds and open it again. The hot tap must be
opened enough to ensure that the flow rate is sufficient to light the gas booster
•
Check if there is gas supply to other appliances in the rest of the house
Electric Boosted Systems:
•
Check the temperature of hot water delivered with a thermometer placed under the
closest outlet (usually the kitchen sink) on a non-tempered hot water line
•
This test should be done early in the morning after overnight electrical boosting
before any hot water is used. The temperature of the water delivered should be at
least 55°C (allowing for heat losses in pipe work)
•
If this is not the case or the temperature may need to be increased. Contact your
installer or Rinnai to discuss adjusting the thermostat.
Electric Boosted Systems:
•
If using an off peak (overnight) boosted electrical system, the time of use of the
water may affect whether heating is done by electric element or solar energy.
This is because both solar heated water and electrically heated water are stored in
the same cylinder. (This is not a problem with gas boosted systems, and is less of
an issue with mid element storage cylinders).
•
If the bulk of hot water is used in the morning, there will be cold water in the
cylinder for the sun to heat during the day leading to lower electricity usage.
•
If the bulk of the hot water is used in the evening, the electric element will reheat
the water overnight. In the morning there will be no cold water in the storage
cylinder for the sun to heat.
•
Consider changing your usage pattern to optimise solar energy usage.
Electric Boosted Systems:
•
The electricity tariff will determine the running costs of the system.
•
Contact the electricity supplier to confirm what these tariffs are.
•
If the solar control unit is switched off there will be no solar pre- heating of water
resulting in the water being heated entirely by electricity or gas' boosting'
•
Check the power outlet for the solar control unit is switched on
•
See entry under 'Insufficient or No Hot Water'
•
Reduced sunlight due to overcast weather in summer or low solar contribution in
winter will result in an increased dependence on electricity or gas boosting. Higher
electricity or gas bills under these conditions, especially in winter, are normal.
•
If the solar collectors are shaded by trees or other objects, or the glass is dirty, the
effectiveness of the collectors is greatly reduced. Arrange for trimming of the trees
or relocation of the solar collectors if the obstruction is permanent. Arrange for
cleaning of the collector glass
•
Solar collectors incorrectly positioned will also severely affect the solar gain. Check
that positioning and alignment of solar collectors is in accordance with "System
Orientation and Inclination" later in this manual
9 Solar Split Systems Operating / Installation Manual - Version 9 - 21/11/12