EK System 2000 poor water heater effeciency
#1
03-06-14, 06:37 AM
EK System 2000 poor water heater effeciency
I have an Energy Kinetics System 2000 which was installed around 6 years ago. It has worked fairly brilliantly, but lately I have been having some issues with it. For many months now, maybe starting late last summer, it has seemed the hot water wasn't quite as hot, and a few times I tried adjusting the heater settings, both with the Honeywell temperature control and by increasing the flow to the heat exchanger.
However last week efficiency dropped off a cliff. The heat exchanger still gets blazing hot, and the flow pipe from the exchanger back to the hot water tank gets hot, but it is taking 4-8 hours to build up enough hot water to take a shower.
I'm home today to monitor it and try to figure out what is wrong. My first guess is that the circulator isn't working, or is barely working, and the heat in the return pipe is just, or mostly, conduction down the pipe from the exchanger. However I'm guessing there could be other issues, such as the thermostat?
I would love some advice on how best to identify exactly what the issue is before I break out the toolbox and start replacing parts.
Many thanks!
However last week efficiency dropped off a cliff. The heat exchanger still gets blazing hot, and the flow pipe from the exchanger back to the hot water tank gets hot, but it is taking 4-8 hours to build up enough hot water to take a shower.
I'm home today to monitor it and try to figure out what is wrong. My first guess is that the circulator isn't working, or is barely working, and the heat in the return pipe is just, or mostly, conduction down the pipe from the exchanger. However I'm guessing there could be other issues, such as the thermostat?
I would love some advice on how best to identify exactly what the issue is before I break out the toolbox and start replacing parts.
Many thanks!
#2
03-06-14, 09:38 AM
The paper or online manual should have a trouble shooting section. It is possible the manufacturer has a more complete manual for pros they might let you see, so contact the manufacturer.
#3
03-06-14, 08:27 PM
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A few potential problems here:
1. The heat exchange could be plugged.
2. The bronze (or stainless) circulator for the domestic side has gone bad.
3. The main circulator has gone bad.
4. Sticking check valve.
Since this is a sudden change, I'd suspect the domestic circulator. Check for temp difference in the pipes from the tank (bottom) & to the tank (marked "cold or "in") & those on the boiler side of the heat exchanger. If you are getting plenty of heat in the house, that pretty well rules out the main circulator.
1. The heat exchange could be plugged.
2. The bronze (or stainless) circulator for the domestic side has gone bad.
3. The main circulator has gone bad.
4. Sticking check valve.
Since this is a sudden change, I'd suspect the domestic circulator. Check for temp difference in the pipes from the tank (bottom) & to the tank (marked "cold or "in") & those on the boiler side of the heat exchanger. If you are getting plenty of heat in the house, that pretty well rules out the main circulator.
