Company Aquatherm Product Manual

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Benefits:
High Efficiency
The recovery efficiency of today’s natural gas water heaters ranges
from 76 to 94%. As a general rule of thumb, the space heating ef-
ficiency of any water heater can be approximated by adding several
percentage points to the water heater’s recovery efficiency. The ef
-
ficiency gained by these systems comes from the fact that:
1. Eliminating the gas furnace saves the energy that would normally
be lost due to the furnace vent, gas pilot, and furnace cabinet.
2. Laboratory and field tests have proven that water heater standby
losses are reduced when the water heater is operated more fre
-
quently.
Low Maintenance
Combo Heaters are simple and uncomplicated compared to heat
pumps and high efficiency gas furnaces. The heating system has
only five moving parts!
Compatible Cooling Coils
Cooling coils installed in First Co. Combo Heaters are completely com-
patible with major brands of condensing units. Maximum Efficiencies
up to 16 SEER, depending on the outdoor unit. First Co's customer
is ultimately responsible for confirming which fan coil models are
compatible with selected outdoor units(s) and which expansion
valves (if any) are required. To determine approved indoor/outdoor
matches, go to www.firstco.com or contact the factory.
Consistent, Comfortable Heat
As long as hot water is available, Combo Heaters will provide warm
air no matter what the temperature is outside. Homeowners report
being much more comfortable with hydronic heat than with other space
heating systems, such as heat pumps.
Longer Water Heater Tank Life
By circulating water through the water heater more frequently, sediment
build-up is reduced, corrosion is minimized, and the life of the water
heater tank is extended.
Installation Flexibility
First Co. offers fifteen models of Aquatherm
®
Combo Heaters. Models
are available to recess in a wall, install above the ceiling, in a closet,
or in an attic. You can choose models for heating only or with cooling
coils up to five tons. There’s even an add-on heating coil.
Technical Specifications:
1. Air Handler Selection:
Select an air handler with a heating output that exceeds the space
heating loss of the structure and that has a cooling coil sized to
match the outdoor condensing unit. Special note...the heating
output of the air handler or hot water coil will not be greater than
the output of the selected hot water heater. Therefore, if the water
heater is undersized the heating BTUH of the air handler will be
LESS than it’s rated output.
2. Water Heater Selection:
The following sizing information should only be used as a basic
guide to adequate water heater sizing because of variations in
each family’s domestic hot water requirements. For additional
assistance in water heater sizing contact a qualified professional
engineer.
Proper water heater sizing should consider both the gallon capacity
AND the BTU input of the water heater.
a. To determine water heater GALLON CAPACITY:
A minimum 40 gallon high recovery and/or high efficiency
gas or oil-fired water heater is recommended. The follow
-
ing volume sizing guide is satisfactory in most areas of the
country:
600-800 CFM air handlers - Minimum 40 gallon water heater
1000-1200 CFM air handlers - Minimum 50 gallon water heater
1400-1600 CFM air handlers - Either two 40 gallon water heaters
piped together, one high input 50 gallon (63,000 to 75,000 BTU input),
or one 72 to 75 gallon.
2000 CFM air handler - Any combination of water heaters having at
least 105,000 BTU OUTPUT.
b. To determine minimum water heater BTU INPUT: (Assumes
a water heater recovery efficiency of 76%)
For mild climates - BTU INPUT = structure’s heat loss x
1.51
For colder climates - BTU INPUT = structure’s heat loss x
1.58
3. Condensing unit:
Selection of the condensing unit size should be determined by
the “Manual J” method or other approved heat load/heat gain
calculation procedure. Certified cooling capacities and efficiency
information are available upon request from First Co.
Air Handlers
All air handlers having “Q” in the model number come with factory
installed circulating pump, hot water check valve, and purge valve.
The VHBQB air handler includes a high efficiency variable speed fan
motor.
Water Piping
Water piping between the water heater and air handler should be
3/4” (1” on 5 ton models) nominal copper or other code approved
material.
When installed in an area subjected to freezing temperatures, the
water piping should be completely insulated and a “freeze protector”
should be installed on the hot water coil (contact factory). Anti-scald
valves may be required by local codes, and they are available from
local plumbing distributors.
To prevent air lock of the circulating pump, the piping connections to
and from the air handler MUST come from the horizontal connections
of the “T” fittings in the vertical hot and cold water supply lines at the
water heater (see diagram on page 2).
Maximum distance between the water heater and air handler should
not exceed 100 feet (one way).
Thermostats
All air handlers are compatible with standard 24V wall thermostats.
Additional Literature Available (Contact First Co.)
1. Catalog #IAM - Installation manual.
2. Individual Specification Sheets for each air handler series are
available on-line at: www.firstco.com
Equipment Sizing
In keeping with its policy of continuous progress and
product improvement, First Operations reserves the
right to make changes without notice. Maintenance
for all First Co. products is available under “Product
Maintenance” at www.firstco.com.