Replies

1. 
   archyII | Nov 12, 2002 04:05am | #1

   I'm not a plumber but you could have bought a higher recovery rate HW.  Gallon size is not the only critria in sizing a HW.  If you can, exchange the heater for a faster recovery unit .  I'm not sure that the mixing valve will help alot.  You set the HW for 180 water and the valve for 110. You take a shower and a lesser volumn of hot water is used but cold water in added to the hot water heater lowering the temp of the tank and the heater fires up trying to heat the new cold water lowering the temp in the tank.  It might help.  You could also add a storage tank before the water heater that allows the cold water to come to room temp. prior to entering the HW and then the HW has to only raise the temp 30 degrees VS 50 degrees (depends on where you are located).  This will use less energy.

2. 
   Wet_Head | Nov 21, 2002 07:32am | #2

   1. Yes

   2. Taco or similar.  Make sure it is rated for what you need.  There are cheap ones out there that are unreliable.  Plan on spending a hundred bucks or more for a good one.  If you can't find one I'll help you get one.

   3. Over 150 degrees and your tank will fail lots quicker.  160 TOPS!!!

3. 
   whoover | Nov 21, 2002 10:12pm | #3

   Any temperature above 140 will cause your glass to desolve much faster and hence decrease your tank life.   However, your concept will work very well and you will get more "showers" out of the heater at 160 than at 125.  For safety, a mixing valve is strongly suggested.

1. 
   geoffhazel | Nov 22, 2002 02:32am | #4

   I have a 6 year warranty on the heater, any chance running it at 160 will burn it out before then?

1. 
   whoover | Nov 22, 2002 04:12pm | #5

   I would guess there would be a chance...depending on what brand of heat you have.  In any case, I suspect that the heater would be covered under warrantee if it fails within 6 years.

   Good Luck

   Bill