Source of heat for hotwater

[bob saunders]

Yes, I don't mind a cool shower, but Jarabacoa's water in the winter months is frigging cold. There are preferable ways to test your heart. I think I will probable go with a passive solar system with a inline propane backup. There are several one piece solar unit built in my home province of British Columbia that are cost effective for initial layout and have no moving parts to mechanically fail, so even a neophyte can install them. If I end up with getting the electrical showerhead, I'll install it myself, I have restored several century homes-rewired, plumbing,....etc so I think I can do it safely. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.

[Chris]

I'm finding more and more resources on heat pumps or geothermal type of heating. Never seen this work however. Apparently one can use ambient heat (from rocks, underground or ambient temperature) to heat water (or in the North, to heat houses).

Here is an article from an australian site. They say that a heatpump to heat water uses 1/3 of the electricity that a conventional system may use. This article shows a system with some boosting by solar panels on the roof. Eco-Smart Plumber - What is a heat pump water heater?

[jer]

so what brand do you recommend and where to purchase it. any brand to avoid? will they work with tinaco water pressure, or should a pump be installed?

[adrianb]

We're also investigating these propane hot water heaters, but apparently most of the units sold in Santiago are chinese.. If I have something like this in my house I want a US/european brand.. anyone know where we might find these?

[Ringo]

We had a Longvie that lasted about 2 years. Ochoa. 10K pesos. Longvie SA Full time pilot light.

Installed a Lorenzitti. Ochoa. $$? 2 D batteries for ignition. Adjustable flow rate and temp. was difficult to set. Lorenzetti S.A. - Duchas, Chuveiros, Metais Sanitários, Aquecedores a Gás, Filtros e Purificadores, Recursos Humanos

Both, most, must have some water pressure to open the valve that starts the heating burners. So it would depend on how high your gravity water tank is to have enough pressure to open the valve. I'm thinking about 10 psi min. but no sure.

Regards, Ringo

[adrianb]

Thanks for the post Ringo. I notice one of yours is argentinian made, the other from brazil. No US/european units?

[Ringo]

We could not find any others. But as you know, stock and brand names will change. If we see something that will work, we don't get to picky.

Regards, Ringo

[Ringo]

BTW: We have found that a sales assist. at one Ochoa will call the other 2 to see what they have in stock. Saves having to go to all the stores.

Regards, Ringo

[rotondon]

electric shower heads no more no less dangerous than any other electrical appliance-been in use in central and south america for ions of years-

on demand gas w/h or tankless becoming very popular all over perhaps a little pricey-also available on demand electric which is now available on 120 volts

have one in the 240volt version have saved about 20% per month
company name is TITAN they are in Miami

take your pick on budget and availability
as in any of them gas or electric manuf. recomm. shoul be followed.

give myself no titles or expertise

rotondon

[JDJones]

My two cents. Buy a regular old 12 gal water heater. Have your cold water supply run through a coil of copper tubing on the roof, then into your hot water heater.

The water going into your heater will be fairly warm most of the time, which results in your water heater consuming less electricity, because it doesn't have to work as hard to heat your water.