Author: Eduardo Moreno

Are you considering a propane hot water heater for your home?

There’s no denying that they’re efficient and cost-effective.

But there are some concerns about their safety when used indoors.

We’ll dive deep into the truth about propane hot water heaters to help you make an informed decision for your family’s safety and comfort.

What is a Propane Hot Water Heater?

A propane hot water heater is a type of appliance that uses propane gas to heat water.

Propane hot water heaters mix air into the burner chamber with propane gas. The mixture is ignited, and the resulting flame heats a metal coil inside the chamber.

Water is circulated through the coil, and as it passes through, it picks up heat from the chamber and is warmed.

Propane is a highly flammable gas, so there are some safety concerns about using this type of heater indoors.

Are Propane Hot Water Heaters Safe for Indoor Use?

Yes, propane hot water heaters are safe for indoor use.

In fact, propane is one of the safest heating fuels available.

When used correctly, there is no risk of explosion or fire. However, you should take a few safety precautions when using a propane hot water heater:

Safety Guidelines for Using a Propane Hot Water Heater Indoors

Some important safety guidelines exist for using a propane hot water heater indoors.

• Make sure your gas and venting installations are set up correctly by following the owner’s manual.

• Make sure the area around the heater is well-ventilated. Propane is a combustible gas, so it needs oxygen to burn. If the area around the heater is not well-ventilated, the replacement for combustion will not be proper.

• Do not store combustible materials near the heater. This includes flammable liquids, gases, and rags or papers that could easily catch fire.

• Have a qualified technician service the heater regularly to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. 

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: Propane Tankless Water Heaters

At Marey, we’ve provided high-quality water heating solutions since 1955. We’ve made it our mission to prioritize customer satisfaction above all else.

Our tankless water heaters are affordable, long-lasting, and provide endless hot water on demand. They are also eco-friendly and efficient, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

With our dedication to innovation and service, you can trust that you’re getting the highest quality product on the market.

So why choose Marey? Because we care about your needs and the needs of our planet.

Upgrade to a propane tankless water heater from Marey and enjoy the benefits that come with it.

If you’re the proud owner of a gas tankless water heater unit, you know it can significantly reduce your energy bills and provide an endless hot water supply. 

However, did you also know that regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance? 

Unfortunately, many homeowners skip this step or delay it until there’s a problem. 

So today, we’ll explain why neglecting your gas tankless water heater unit’s maintenance could lead to costly repairs and jeopardize your safety. 

Why is regular maintenance important for a gas tankless water heater?

First, it helps prevent the build-up of sediment and scale in the unit, which leads to decreased efficiency and performance over time. 

Additionally, regular maintenance can help extend your unit’s lifespan by keeping it in good working condition. 

Finally, by performing regular maintenance on your gas unit, you can ensure it operates safely.

What is regular maintenance of gas units?

To ensure your gas unit is operating properly and efficiently, it is important to maintain it regularly. 

During your monthly inspection, you should check all connections for leaks. For gas connections, the best way to do this is to use a soapy water solution; if bubbles are present, there is a leak. Be sure to tighten or replace any faulty connections. 

You should also inspect the venting system to ensure it is not blocked or obstructed. 

If you live in an area with hard water, flush your gas unit about once every quarter. 

Are there any safety concerns you should know about with a gas tankless water heater?

Yes, it’s important to note that tankless units produce exhaust gases, which can be dangerous if not properly vented. 

Ensure you have your unit installed by a qualified technician and that it is properly ventilated to prevent any hazardous build-up of exhaust gases. 

Additionally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when performing any maintenance on your unit.

Overview of venting

The venting installation is responsible for drawing the fumes out of your tankless water heater and exhausting it outside. 

Over time, lint and other debris can build up in the vent, restricting exhaust, and causing your unit to work harder than necessary. 

A clogged duct exhaust can also lead to premature failure of your unit. 

Requirements for proper venting

There are a few key requirements for venting tankless water heaters that must be met to ensure optimal performance and safety. It must be: 

• made of non-combustible material, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel and aluminium. 
• sized correctly for the specific model of tankless water heater being used. 
• installed to avoid coming into contact with exhaust fumes. 
• properly ventilated and installed according to the owner’s manual, so fumes can escape. 
• able to handle the high temperatures produced by the tankless water heater.
• regularly inspected and cleaned to remove any build-up of debris or corrosion.

Tips and advice on maintaining a  gas tankless water heater

• Inspect the unit and gas lines regularly for leaks. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired immediately by a qualified technician.
• Check the venting system monthly to ensure it’s clear of obstructions.
• Keep the area around the unit clean and free of debris. 
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance recommendations. 
• Ensure the unit’s gas pressure is set to the proper level.
• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around the unit. 
• Check for any signs of corrosion and rust and repair as needed. 

Speak to our consultants if you have questions about your gas tankless water heater unit.

Did you know that the lifespan of the tankless water heater can be greatly affected by the quality of your home’s water supply?

Over time, mineral buildup and sediment accumulation can lead to corrosion, leaks, and even premature failure of this essential appliance. 

But fear not! 

In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to improve your water quality and extend the life of your tankless water heater. 

What is hard water and scale? 

Water high in mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium, is called hard water.

Signs of poor water quality

• Water that looks cloudy or discolored
• Water that smells bad
• Water that tastes bad
• Water that leaves deposits on fixtures or appliances

What is hard water on the pH scale?

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline water is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point. Readings below 7 indicate acidity, while readings above 7 indicate alkalinity.

Hard water has a high mineral content, which makes it more alkaline. The higher the mineral content, the higher the pH reading. 

Effects of hard water on a tankless water heater 

Hard water can have several negative effects on tankless water heaters. 

The most common issue is scale buildup on the heat exchanger’s surfaces. This scale can insulate the heating surfaces, causing them to work less efficiently and eventually fail prematurely, it can damage temperature sensors causing fluctuation in water temperature or production of temperatures too high or too cool.. It can also damage temperature sensors causing fluctuation in water temperature or producing temperatures too high or too cool.

In addition, hard water can also clog pipes and reduce the flow of hot water to your taps. It can also reduce needed water pressure or flow to start the water heater.

What can you do to reduce the hardness of your water?

Install a sediment & hard water filter: This will help remove impurities from your water supply, extending the life of your tankless water heater.

Use soft water: If you have hard water, consider using a water softener to extend the life of your tankless water heater. 

Drain and flush regularly: Draining and flushing your tankless water heater regularly, at least once a year, helps remove the buildup from the heat exchanger, which can lengthen its lifespan.

Flushing tankless water heaters 

Flushing your tankless water heater is a relatively simple process you can do yourself.

You can view the process below:

What you’ll need: 

• About 3 gallons of distilled (household) white vinegar. 
• 2 approximate 5-gallon or bigger buckets. 
• A circulation pump. Although you can flush your tankless water without one, it won’t be as thorough, and you’ll have to take the water heater off the wall.
• These pumps usually come with their own pipes, but two pieces of garden or washing machine hoses are just as effective.

Flushing steps:

1. Turn off the power (electricity and gas) to your tankless water heater. 
2. Close the main shut-off valves on hot and cold-water lines.
3. Open the flushing valves on both the hot and cold-water lines. 
4. Open the valves on top of each manifold. Once you open the valves, the water in the tank will run out, so keep your bucket underneath them. 
5. Clean the prefilter.
   1. It’s normally located outside the unit, above the cold-water valve, but consult your user manual if you are unsure of where it is. 
   2. Simply open it and wash the filter clean with water and maybe a small toothbrush. 
   3. Once clean, put it back.
6. Connect one of the hoses to each flush valve (one for hot and one for cold). 
7. Connect the open end of the hose connected to the cold-water flush valve to the pump’s outlet.
8. Put the pump and the open end of the other hose (hot) in the bucket.
9. Pour the vinegar into a bucket, ensuring that the pump and the open end of the hot-water line are submerged. 
10. Plug your pump in to start it up. 
11. Let the cleaning solution circulate for at least 45 minutes, up to an hour.
12. Once it’s done, shut the pump off.
13. Close the valves on top of each manifold, remove the hoses, and close the protective caps tightly on the flushing valves. 
14. You can clean the prefilter again to ensure no new debris gets stuck.
15. You can empty your bucket in the garden. 
16. Open the hot water faucet connected to the tankless hot water heater and let the water run to purge air from lines and fill the heat exchanger.
    1. The hot water won’t run while the main valves are still closed.
17. Open all the supply valves and turn the gas line or power  back on. 
18. Turn the tankless water heater back on.
    1. Some air bubbles will come out of the faucet as the tankless water heater runs; that is perfectly normal.
19. Now you are ready to enjoy clean and clear hot water for another year.

Looking for a tankless water heater that is perfect for your needs and easy to install and maintain? Shop now!