Selecting according to region and heated water demand

  • 2 elements are key for sizing and selecting a proper tankless water heater:
    • Temperature of water source which varies according to location
    • Demand of heated water: GPM demand depending on type and number of fixtures and appliances
  • Taking this into account will prevent a lot of frustration on purchases and use
  • The first support material we have available for this process is the Temperature Map:temperature map
  • Note:
    • The map indicates the capacity of the model units according to location
    • Big difference in demand from a shower (1.5 to 2.0 GPM) and a bathtub (4.0 to 5.0 GPM)!
    • The bathtub is the fixture that demands the highest GPM
    • Difference in temperature of water source in the south and in the north
    • Water source temperature also varies if from the city, well, tank, stream, etc. If water is exposed to air (well or tank situation) it is colder.
  • The second support information is in the manual for each unit. There is a table that approximates the capacity of the water heater to raise temperature according GPM:
    • Consider, the more the GPM (more water volume running through the unit) the less the temperature rise, the less the GPM the more the temperature rise
    • Note tables consider a fixed temperature of water source or set temperature, so values are approximated

temperature chart

temperature chart 2

temperature chart 3

  • Warning:

    • GAS tankless water heaters do not work on high elevations/altitudes. As an industry rule of thumb, no tankless works properly above 4,000 ft. Marey units are not recommended above 2,000 ft. People use them on high elevation/altitude locations at their own risk, we do not recommend it. High altitudes do not have proper physical/environmental conditions for the combustion and exhaust processes of the units, in short, there is not enough air up there!
    • Electric units are not affected by altitude

WATER QUALITY – SEDIMENT

Effects of sediment and different water sources.

Sediment is small particles and debris in the water, it may be tiny rocks, clay, pieces of wood and other organic material carried in and by the water.

Sediment makes its way into water lines and into the tankless water heaters.

Today, most tankless units, gas and electric, are flow activated. This means that the way the units start is by flow of water running through them. You open the water faucet, water will run into the inlet of the water heater and make the impeller spin. The impeller is just like a propeller inside the inlet fitting. The spinning of the impeller sends a signal for the unit telling there is water running and that it should come on and heat the water.

The problem is that sediment may be small enough to get through the inlet fitting screen and clog the impeller. If the impeller does not spin it won’t signal the water flow to the unit and it will not start and heat the water.

The unit will be like a sitting duck. Water will be running, there will be power available, it won’t show any errors but it will just sit there and not heat the water.

In the picture below you can see the small particles of sediment that clogged a gas power unit:

In the following video, you may watch how to clean the impeller and inlet fitting screen on Marey’s Eco electric line: ECO110, ECO150, ECO180, ECO240 and ECO270.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXuUNCtSu20

Unfortunately, we cannot disassemble all inlet fittings and impeller of all models.

For the gas units of these lines: GA 5 and 10 FLOW, GA 24CSA and 14CSA, if the unit shows signs of a clogged impeller, you may try blowing compressed air into the inlet fitting in an attempt to free the impeller from the sediment. If this procedure does not work, the water flow sensor or water flow sensor valve must be replaced.

Below you may see the water flow sensor valve of a gas flow unit:

The impeller for the 24CSA line is in the water proportional valve, which can be seen on the manual, on page 46, number 7 on the diagram:

Gas Unit 4

Prevention

  • Usually, there is less sediment in city water.
  • Well water and off-grid water sources usually carry a lot of sediment.
  • An easy way to prevent sediment and debris in the water is to install a sediment filter.
  • When and if you install a sediment filter, be careful not to decrease too much the water pressure and flow on the system. With low water pressure and flow the water heater may not start or may overheat.
  • It is very common to have clogs right after installations. So, purge the water line well before connecting it to the unit.

Camping water heater temperature need-to-knows

 You love camping – the fresh air, the peace and quiet, the time spent with your family, the beauty of it all, which is only spoiled when you’re pelted with an ice rain shower. Luckily, you’ve invested in a camping water heater, and with only a few easy-to-follow steps, you can adjust its temperature to the perfect setting and never be left out in the cold again.  

Know your settings

There are some disputes about the optimal temperature for a water heater (and let’s be honest, we’re all different people with different desires). 

Some manufacturers have the default setting at 140ºF, while others opt for the more widely acceptable 120ºF. According to the Department of Energy, water at 140ºF can kill certain bacteria, making it optimal for cleaning dishes and for people who are immunocompromised. 

However, water that hot can lead to scalding, damage pipes and units, not to mention lost funds. Most water heaters can reach temperatures as high as 150ºF. However, setting your unit that high is generally discouraged because doing so would almost certainly result in scalding and damage to the unit itself.

Pros and cons of different temperatures

Depending on your choice, the temperature change will be more or less beneficial to your desires.

  1. Turning down your camping water heater will save you money and help to protect the environment since you will use less power or gas.
  2. A lower water heater temperature can help prevent mold and mildew growth when camping in an area with high humidity.
  3. The higher it’s set, the longer it’ll take to heat up. Depending on the time available and the area you’re in, this might not be a dealbreaker.
  4. Cold outside temperatures and lower-set camping water heaters can lead to damaged pipes.
  5. If you have small children, you risk them opening the tap and scalding themselves if it’s set too hot.

Know your different temperature zones

As all campers will know, not all areas are created equal. Some camping water heaters, especially propane gas heaters, should remain outside; this can lead to them getting damaged should there be wind or rain.

But there are other elements to consider, such as freezing temperatures – frozen water expands, damaging the heater and its pipes. On the other hand, in warmer places, you might not want the water as hot, and water will heat up more quickly.  

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How to change the temperature

So, you’ve weighed everything up and are ready to make the change – but how? It’s easy.

  1. Find the adjusting settings on your water heater. You can normally find the Marey tankless water heating settings on the front of the unit.
  2. Adjust the settings for flame and season to the desired temperature. Remember to remain within the camping water heater’s prescribed guidelines to prevent damaging the unit.
  3. Enjoy your perfectly tempered shower (or clean dishes).

On a side note, not all camping water heaters are measured equally. Thus, you might want to invest in a thermometer before adjusting anything. If you rely on a thermometer, remember to give the unit enough time to adjust to the newly selected temperature before testing it again.

Last but not least, don’t simply recycle your user manual. Keep it somewhere out of sight, but not out of mind; in the trailer, camper, or the cloud. Not only will it be able to provide you with the needed information and guidelines to inspect and adapt your unit, but it will also supply you with the necessary contact information if something goes wrong. Not to mention that you severely decrease the risk of losing the warranty by following the manual as stipulated.

Whatever your preferred choice of water temperature is, you can’t enjoy it without a suitable camping water heater. So while planning your next nature escape, be sure to find a camping water heater that suits your needs. Not only are Marey tankless hot water solutions eco-friendly, but they are also energy- and cost-efficient.

Prices and promotions shown on this website are for sales and orders shipped only to the US Mainland. Puerto Rico customers please visit www.mareypr.com
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