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WHAT IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
A tankless water heater is a major appliance that heats water as it is
needed. For this reason, it is often referred to as an "on demand" water heater.
The traditional storage tank water heaters keep large quantities of water heated
whether or not the water is about to get used. Storage tank water heaters expend
energy to heat new water as hot water is used AND storage tank water heaters
also reheat water that has not been used but has cooled inside the tank. On the
other hand, a tankless water heater only expends energy to heat water as it is
used. The energy savings from using a tankless water heater instead of a storage
tank water heater are projected to be between 15% and 40% (NOTE: this projection
is 15% to 40% of the approximately 20% of your energy bill that goes to heating
water, not 15% to 40% of your entire energy bill).
SHOULD YOU BUY AN ELECTRIC TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
There are basically three reasons to buy a water heater:
1) You are tired of paying high energy bills, and have
determined that a tankless water heater is a good long-term investment.
2) Your current water heater is broken and it cannot be
repaired.
3) Your old water heater regularly fails to provide a
sufficient supply of hot water.
Any one of these reasons could motivate you to purchase a new tankless water
heater. If your reason to want a new water heater is that your existing water
heater is broken, then you probably want to have a new water heater installed
and functioning as soon as possible.
WHAT'S NEW ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS?
The adoption of tankless water heaters in the United States is the most
significant change to have happened to the water heater market in many years.
Tankless water heaters have been popular in Europe for many years, including
point-of-use models, but they have only become popular the United States in
recent years.Tankless water heaters can replace storage tank water heaters,
multiple tankless water heaters can work in tandem in homes that use a high
volume of hot water, and tankless water heaters can work with storage tank water
heaters.Although not yet very common, some homeowners are using solar energy to
heat the water in their storage tanks. Tankless water heaters can be used to
provide hot water when the hot water in the tank runs out (it takes a long time
to reheat the tank with solar energy, and the process cannot even start until
the sun comes up).
WHY DID WE CHOOSE TO ONLY OFFER THE SEISCO? 
Like all of the other products we have chosen to offer, the Seisco Tankless
Water Heater is the safest, most efficient, and best built product available in
the marketplace.
The SEISCO tankless water heater has earned International recognition. for
providing the highest level of temperature control performance, reliability and
safety in its operation over any tankless water heater anywhere in the world
today.
In 1999 and 2000, the team at SEISCO solely and singularly earned from the
Department Housing and Urban Development changes for tankless water heaters
under HUD Safety and Construction Standards. Because of Seisco's efforts, these
changes are now enjoyed by other tankless water heaters. SEISCO is listed by
U.L., BOCA, SBCCI, UL/CSA, NOM, and its materials by NSF.
The Seisco is a very small but very powerful and extremely efficient electric
tankless water heating system. The Seisco, whose technology has earned 5 U.S.
Patents and many more foreign patents, is much more than just a water
heater.
The Seisco was measured to be over 99% efficient by an agency of the Federal
Government.
The Seisco water heating system designs consider not only electrical, and
plumbing requirements of the application, but also location (space utilization),
environment, potential preheating enhancements such as heat recovery (including
waste heat recovery), solar, geothermal and more.
Why is the Seisco superior to all other electric tankless water
heaters? 
First, the Seisco is the only electric tankless water heater, which enjoys a
patented power sharing distribution method for activating the heating elements.
This method allows each one of a multiple of heating elements to simultaneously
provide substantially equal amounts of heat to the fluid as it flows through the
heat exchanger. Other systems activate the elements individually to full power
one after another, which creates hot spots in the heating chamber particularly
at shut down. These hot spots literally boil the minerals out of the water
creating excessive mineral buildup and discharge. This sequential activation
used by other heaters also loads (works) certain heating elements more than
others resulting in early failures.
Second, the Seisco is the only electric tankless water heater that controls
power to the elements in a very unique and patented power-modulating pattern.
This feature insures that the use of the Seisco does not inherently create
disturbance (flicker) in the lighting circuits. This is very important since the
proper temperature control for electric tankless water heaters depends on
modulating or instantaneously varying the power to high wattage heating
elements. Without the Seisco’s patented control, one can experience lights that
flicker in the same fashion as if you were at your thermostat rapidly flipping
the air conditioner or electric heating off and on. It should be remembered that
in any application the electrical service to the building should be properly
sized to accommodate the addition of all major electrical appliances including,
the electric tankless water heater. Some rural residences, even those that don’t
have electric water heaters, experience light flicker even from hair dryers as a
result of inadequate or improperly designed electrical service to the house.
GENERAL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SIZE:
Seisco Water Heaters are manufactured in two basic sizes, a large
four-chamber unit (15 " x 15 " x 6 ") and a smaller two-chamber unit (15 " x 10
" x 6 "). The same advanced microprocessor technology and thermoplastic
construction are used in both sizes. Therefore, many of the parts are
interchangeable.
MODELS:
We offer 3 of the four chamber models; the RA18, RA28, and the RA32. These models are designed generally for domestic water
heating in whole house and booster applications. We also offer the two-chamber
RA14 model which isdesigned for space heating applications and
point-of-use in commercial applications. The available Models and their
descriptions are listed on pages following this section. Refer to Tankless Water
Heater Applications for more design and application details.
FEATURES:
There are no moving parts or flow restricting devices used in Seisco heaters.
Seisco uses a unique flow/no flow detection system utilizing itÕs temperature
sensors for flow detection. In standby, the heater maintains a very subtle
temperature gradient and flow is detected when there is a change in the
gradient. The advanced microprocessor control turns the power on through a set
of relays and turns the power off when flow stops. The most important feature
may be the patented "Power Sharing" technology which provides for evenly
distributed power to the heating elements. This in turn, helps eliminate
scalding potential, scaling and sediment build-up. Also, the control logic
allows the power level to vary which is beneficial in minimizing the use of
power for periods of less demanding usage.
CONSTRUCTION:
Seisco heating chambers are modular and molded of light weight thermoplastic
materials. The chamber is specifically engineered for durability in harsh water
heating environments and capable of withstanding extreme temperature swings and
pressure changes. Heating elements, sensors and detection devices, that come in
contact with the water, are machined in brass or made of copper to help resist
corrosion. Standard 1 inch, flanged screw-type heating elements are utilized
which are interchangeable with heating elements available at local hardware
stores.
SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE:
Seisco was designed with a complete array of dependable safety features to
prevent harm to the user and the heater. There are several redundant safety
features as well. They include, dual high temperature switches on independent
circuitry in addition to the controlÕs internal high temperature shut down. Dual
low level detectors are used to prevent dry firing of the heating elements and a
leak detector is mounted on the casing that in the event of a leak, sounds an
alarm to the user. Although the control board is protected against electrical
surges, additional heater protection is achieved when the relays are opened
during periods of standby, providing no path for the surge to reach the heating
elements. Also, the chamber is designed with a patented venting system that
continuously vents harmful gasses and air during operation. The microprocessor
control is programmed to provide self diagnostics that significantly reduces
trouble shooting and service time. In the event of a problem with the heater,
the control emits a visual or optional built-in audible code. There is no
maintenance required of the Seisco. However, there are clean-out plates below
the heater chamber to allow removal of sand and grit that may build-up from a
well water system.
POWER RATING:
The four-chamber models contain four electric heating elements whose combined
wattage is the total power rating of the heater. For instance, the standard
RA-28 model contains four 7000 watt elements for a total of 28,000 watts, or 28
kilowatts (kW) of power. The two-chamber model, RA-14, contains only two 7000
watt elements for a total power rating of 14,000 watts, or 14 kilowatts (kW).
However, because of SeiscoÕs "Power Sharing" technology, the heater may not
always use the maximum available power. The power output can vary with flow rate
and temperature rise. Refer to the Product Specifications Table for the maximum
power ratings of each model.
HEATING OUTPUT:
The heating output of the Seisco is simply the total kilowatt power rating of
the combined heating elements converted to BTUÕs using 3,413 BTU/kW. For
instance, the RA-28 has a total power rating of 28 kW or a 95,564 BTU heat
output rating. The four-chamber models have the higher output ratings; 61,434
BTUÕs for the RA-18 model. The lower output RA14 two-chamber model, is 47,782
BTUÕs. These ratings vary with the operating voltage or service voltage to the
heater. Refer to the Product Specifications Table for the BTU ratings of each
model.
VOLTAGE RATING:
Seisco heaters are manufactured with common 240 volt (AC) heating elements
designed for optimum operation on a standard residential 240 volt (AC) electric
service. Also, the Seisco will operate at 208 VAC, a typical commercial voltage,
with standard 240 VAC heating elements. However, when operating the heater at
208 VAC, the power rating and the heat output rating is significantly reduced.
Seisco models can be special ordered with 208 VAC heating elements to help
maximize the power and heating output. Refer to the Product Specifications Table
for details on the various voltage ratings.
MAXIMUM CURRENT RATING:
Each Seisco Model has a maximum electrical current rating (or amp
rating) equivalent to the sum of the heating element ratings. For example, a
four-chamber model, RA-28, operating at 240 VAC has four heating elements, each
with a maximum rating of 29 amps. The maximum current rating or total current
rating of the RA-28 is therefore 116 amps or the sum of the four heating
elements. However, because of SeiscoÕs "Power Modulating Technology", the actual
current measured during relatively low flow rates and/or low temperature rises
can be less than the maximum rating of the heater during operation. Refer to the
A (max) or maximum amp rating under "Electrical" in the Product Specifications
Table for each model.
TEMPERATURE RISE:
The temperature rise must be determined in order to help choose the
appropriate Seisco heater. The rise can be determined by knowing the input water
temperature and the desired output temperature of the heater. The SeiscoÕs
output temperature is typically set for about 120 degrees F at the factory.
Therefore, if the input or cold water inlet temperature is 50 degrees F, then
the temperature rise is the difference or 70 degrees F. If the desired output
temperature is 125 degrees F, then the temperature rise would be 75 degrees F.
With the temperature rise determined, the Product Specification Table provides
the associated flow rate capacity of the various Seisco models.
FLOW RATE:
The flow rate for each model is given in the "Temperature Rise" table of the
Product Specification Table. Along with the temperature rise, the flow rate must
also be determined in order to choose the appropriate Seisco heater. The flow
rate is determined by the type of faucet and also, life style. Refer to the
chart below for typical faucet flow rates in the home. However, if the desired
life style in the home requires running multiple faucets at the same time, then
the flow rates must be added together to determine the peak flow demand. The
Seisco or the possibility of multiple Seisco’s should be selected to match the
peak flow rate.
Below are typical flow rates for new residential construction. There may be
exceptions with new designer type fixtures and faucets. For instance, large
custom body spa showers, whirl pool and Jacuzzi tubs may have faucets with flow
rates ranging from 7 gpm to 14 gpm. However, a combination of multiple Seisco
heaters (preferably plumbed in a parallel configuration) can be installed to
match these higher flow rates. The same peak design approach would be necessary
for the anticipated life style of multiple flow rates occurring at the same
time. Otherwise, use the table below and match the Seisco according to the peak
flow and associated temperature rise of a single tub or shower.
TYPICAL FLOW RATES (in gallons per minute)
Lavatory Bathtub Shower Kitchen Sink Laundry
Sink Dishwasher Cloths Washer
0.8-1.5
2.0-4.0 1.5-3.0 1.0-1.5
2.5-3.0 2.0-3.0
2.5-3.0
TANKLESS WATER HEATER COSTING COMPARISONS
This section provides estimated Tankless Water Heater Cost Comparisons for
the Tankless Water Heater Installation and operation of the SEISCO tankless
water heater in new residential homes.
Conventional electric and gas storage tank heaters have been the standard in
new construction until the late 1990’s. SEISCO’s technology has opened the way
for new design options for all water heating applications including space
heating.
There are a great many other issues that are favorably impacting the
acceptance and use of SEISCO type electric tankless water heating systems
including the current deregulation of electric utilities in the U.S., rapidly
rising energy costs particularly gas.
The global movement for reduction of the burning of fossil fuels is expected
to create energy shifts and new technologies. These issues, although very
significant, are so broad and complex that they can only be noted at this
time.
THE AVERAGE AMERICAN HOME
In the average electrically heated or cooled home, the electric storage tank
water heater is the second largest user of electricity, ranging from 20 to 40%
of total energy use. It is the largest user of electricity in homes with
non-electric heat. SEISCO’s energy efficiency and technology gives the homeowner
an opportunity to significantly cut the operating cost and energy use for hot
water. In addition, the Seisco tankless water heater provides numerous other
benefits over storage tank heaters as follows:A Continuous and Endless Supply of
Hot Water Space Savings Safety and Health Benefits Smart Technology No
Maintenance Environmental Benefits.
The Annual Operating cost for various types of water heaters:
Seisco Tankless Electric Tank Gas Tank LPG
Tank
$270 $380
$552 $663
Estimated Annual Operating Cost for each type in
the "Standby Mode"
(BEFORE THE FIRST DROP OF WATER HAS BEEN USED)
Seisco Tankless Electric Tank Gas
Tank LPGTank
$11 $70
$160 $225
NEW HOME VERSUS EXISTING HOME TANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALLATION
Designing a new home with new technology can be fun and rewarding. The cost
of installing new technology in a new home can also be controlled. The Tankless
Water Heater Installation costs can be many times lower than the after-thought
of installing the same technology in an existing home. Although this is not
necessarily true in all cases, there are a few factors and variables that affect
the cost of retrofitting the Seisco tankless heater into an existing home.
Seisco Tankless Electric Tank Gas Tank LPG
Tank
$165 $140
$385 $545
Costs of installing a Seisco heater in an existing home can vary greatly.
For instance, the possibility of running additional electrical circuits through
finished walls and ceilings can be more costly. These additional cost factors
are generally eliminated during the construction phase of a home because the
equipment and labor costs can be anticipated. Wiring and plumbing for the Seisco
heater can be planned ahead to avoid fishing wires and pipes through finished
walls and ceilings. Also, a properly sized electrical service, and the
appropriate electrical panel can be planned ahead as well. The location of the
Seisco tankless water heater can be optimized in any home to take advantage of
the avoided costs of potentially wasted water and valuable additional space for
a tank heater.
USES FOR TANKLESS HEATERS
RESIDENTIAL INCLUDING MULTIFAMILY:
There are many ways to use the Seisco in your home, apartment, condominium,
or manufactured house. The major applications are highlighted on the
Applications Page.
1. Design the Seisco as your SOLE water heating system to provide your family
with abundant and endless hot water for domestic use.
2. Use the Seisco as a booster and extender to your existing water heater and
provide rapid hot water delivery to your master bath, or remote room. You will
be able to significantly increase the hot water capacity at this location,
including the ability to fill your spa tub, and still have hot water left over.
3. Design a Seisco High Flow System to heat your house and enjoy endless hot
water for domestic use, using the very same Seisco(s). This system separates the
space heating fluid from your domestic water, safely and efficiently heating
both. Add Solar and have the perfect system.
4. Use your Seisco with a dedicated hot water recirculating system.
5. Use your Seisco as a backup for your solar water heating system.
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