What does an off-grid water heater mean?

Heating water take a ton of energy. You either need to heat the water through electricity, or through a gas. In a standard home that is connected to the grid, this is no problem. The utility companies supply ample amounts of electric or gas to easily heat all the water you would like. However, when attempting to go off grid, this poses a problem, since being off grid means you store or create all the energy you will need. You should always be ready with emergency heating repair services wherever you are.

Let’s look at electric off-grid water heating options first. When supplying your own electricity, you are completely disconnected from the national energy grid and rely solely on the energy generated from your household solar and battery storage system. First of all, this system can be very expensive. The downside of this system is that it requires a substantial amount of daylight hours and a massive solar system to be viable as your sole power generation for heating water. Realistically, this is a $20k plus solar setup.

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Let’s look at gas.

The standard type of gas that is used off grid is Liquid Propane (LP). LP is a very efficient and effective solution to heat water, as you can easily stop 5 gallon takes on your tiny home or boat, and it’ll last for a long time, easy to refill, and pretty eco friendly.

The type of heating solution that is perfect for you will depend on various factors, including your local climate, heating requirements, access to fuel, and the size of your property. There are multiple heaters available in the market, each with various pros and cons.  Determining which water heater you should purchase for your Tiny House depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Cost vs Reliability
• Power Availability (Propane vs Natural Gas Unit)
• Tank vs Tankless
• Size vs Capacity
• Temperature Rise
• GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
• Venting

Propane vs Natural Gas

• Propane is more expensive than natural gas, but the equal amount of gas produces about twice as much heat.
• Propane is the cleanest burning fossil fuel available, and it produces about half the carbon dioxide and other gasoline emissions. It also doesn't harm water or soil. Natural gas primarily comprises methane, a greenhouse gas about 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
• Natural gas is a utility that is only available in some areas, and underground pipes bring it to your home. Propane is stored in tanks that need periodic replacements or refills.

Some of the Tankless Water Heaters by Precision Temp includes:

• RV-550 EC Tankless Water Heater

With 55,000 BTUs, it is the highest hot water output in the industry—and built-in freeze protection, the RV-550 EC delivers on-demand, continuous hot water when the outlet is turned on. The VariFlame control system is reliable, keeping the water temperature constant and stable, regardless of the flow rate or incoming water temperature. It is reported to use up to 50% less propane or natural gas.

It is designed specifically for RVs, Trailers, Tiny Houses, and Cabins and vents through the sidewall. It takes up half the space and weighs one-third as much as a ten-gallon tank.

• RV-550 NSP EC Tankless Water Heater

RV-550 NSP EC Tankless propane-fired or natural gas water heater works with full gas modulation. It is vented through the floor with cold-weather protection without any sidewall penetration. It takes up half the space and weighs one-third as much as a ten-gallon tank. It is proven reliable by the VariFlame technology control system.

• ShowerMate M-550 EC Propane Tankless Water Heater

It is designed specifically for the marine environment and perfect for the boater who doesn't want to leave the comforts of home behind when on the high seas. It needs no engine or shore power and can be mounted almost anywhere with a standard power vent.

• TwinTemp-2 Propane Tankless Water Heater

The TwinTemp-2 offers greater heating efficiency, whisper-quiet operation, and safer flue gas temperatures and works on propane and natural gas. With a 55,000 BTU propane burner, it is the highest hot water output in the industry. With two 1500-watt electric elements, the TwinTemp-2 delivers on-demand, continuous hot water, and hydronic space heating. It is a lighter, compact design that saves space and perfect for tiny homes.

• TwinTemp Junior Propane Tankless Water Heater

It comprises one heating zone with up to six blowers with whisper-quiet operation and no diesel smell. It has a 55,000 BTU burner and one 1,500 watts electric element and best fit for a small compressed off-grid home.

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Learn more about PrecisionTemp here!

Conclusion

The reality is that most homes are not designed to operate well off-grid, so it's usually beneficial to make small, budget-friendly steps toward off-grid goals. However, those who can achieve being off-grid will significantly benefit from utility budget cuts and energy savings and is the most eco friendly energy.

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