Solar Hot Water Heaters
May 22, 2012 | A new line of solar hot
water heaters, Tomcat Solar, is being manufactured in Walla Walla. -- There's a new type of hot water heater that's better for your wallet and the environment. The heaters reduce utility costs for homeowners and can also qualify for a tax rebate. "You pay for the electricity or you pay for the gas that heats that water. Solar hot water systems installer, Dale Perry, from Don Pratt Homes, said it's a good alternative. The system is put on top of the roof and uses twenty rods that soak up the solar energy to heat the hot water tank. Solar hot water systems are being installed locally and gaining popularity as word spreads about what a good deal they are. Typically tanks are heated with electricity or natural gas, but some experts say with solar you can save over 100 dollars a year on your energy bill. The systems can heat 50 gallons of water per day. A lot of people don't know about the new systems so they don't consider them or the financial benefit. Well, the sun's free," said Perry.
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Can a gas water heater be installed near an electrical fuse box?
Jan 03, 2008 by Kaz0o
I live in California, and our water heater is outside against the rear of the house. We need to move it. We have only 5 feet to the fence on the north side of the house, so I assume there is not enough clearance. The other option is near (maybe a foot or two) the electrical box on the south side. Just wondering if there are any code restrictions against this.
There is absolutely no where inside to move it to, and the garage is detached. Tankless is not an option at this point.
Can a gas heater be near the fuse box?
You can't put anything within 3 feet of an electrical panel.
gas smell from water heater, furnace making buzzing sound?
Dec 21, 2008 by starrzfan
The furnace has been making quite a loud buzzing sound before it kicks on. It has worried me, so I went into the laundry room (where gas heater / gas water heater are) to move stuff away from the heater. When I was bent over picking up something I smelled gas near the hot water heater. Help! My roommate isn't home, I don't know what to do. I turned the heat down to like 55 degrees so the heat won't kick on as often.
The heat does come on eventually. That wouldn't happen if the pilot light was out right?
You should take this seriously. Normally there is NO smell of gas from either heater and/or water heater. There can be a small release of unburned gas (which you would smell) just before the burner comes on...but this is not normal or consistent...if the burner does come on then yes, the pilot light is working...but there may be a delay between the thermostat telling the burner to come on and it actually doing it...during this slight delay there is gas being released and you can smell it...getyour gas company down to check it out !