MIL-HDBK-1165
valve unit. This reduces the amount of water wasted attempting
to achieve a desired temperature.
d) Install a 360 degree loop heat trap - an extra
circular or square loop on both the inlet and the outlet pipes
just above the tank connections. This keeps water driven by
convection from traveling from the water heater.
e) An anticonvection valve could also used to impede
convection-forced water flow. It works by using a floating ball
and seat. Currently, U.S. manufacturers are providing these
valves (inlet and outlet) as standard equipment on heaters.
f) Hot water recovery system - minimizes the loss of
leftover hot water in the distribution pipes by drawing it back
to the tank. This unit is generally not very large and is
mounted on top of the water heater.
5.4.2.4
Replacements. Old, inefficient water heaters should be
replaced with today's energy efficient models. Avoid tall thin
tanks in favor of shorter, fatter ones that retain heat better by
reducing the outward surface area of the water.
Tankless water heaters, common in Europe, do not use a
storage tank, but instead heat water as it is drawn for a
particular task. This eliminates "standby" heat loss experienced
in water heater tanks when there is no demand. Tankless water
heaters have limited flow rates and higher installation costs.
In a sense, they may actually cause the user to waste more water
knowing that the hot water supply will never run out, as it does
in a tank system. Tankless water heaters are well suited to
applications where continuous hot water is required for discrete
and known periods of time, such as in gym or health club locker
rooms.
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