SAVE A SERVICE CALL
21
GAS BOOSTER OPERATING TOO FREQUENTLY
You may find that the gas booster operates more frequently than expected. This will occur when the solar
heated water temperature is lower than 58°C, which may be experienced during periods of low solar energy
gain or if there has been heavy hot water usage. Factors to consider are:
Hot tap not used recently
If a hot tap has not been used for a while, the water in the pipe work between the solar water heater and
the gas booster may have cooled down. The water heater will sense the cooler water and this will cause
the burners on the water heater to ignite and boost the water temperature when a hot tap is first turned
on. The burners will extinguish when solar heated water of 58°C or higher from the solar storage tank
reaches the gas booster (refer also to
“Fan Continues to Run after Water Heater Operation Stops”
page 21).
Insufficient sunlight
Insufficient sunlight due to cloudy weather during hotter months or low solar energy contribution in colder
months may mean the gas booster operates more often.
Collectors shaded
If trees or other objects shade the solar collectors or if the glass is dirty, the effectiveness of the solar
collectors will be greatly reduced. Have the trees trimmed or the solar collectors relocated if the obstruction
is permanent or clean the collector glass (refer to
on page 16).
Collector area is too small
For most installations, the number of solar collectors recommended in Rheem literature has been proven
to provide the required solar energy to meet the average family needs. However, in some circumstances,
it may be necessary to install an additional solar collector.
Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think?
Very often it is not realised the amount of hot water used, particularly when showering. Carefully review
the family’s hot water usage. As you have installed an energy saving appliance, energy saving should
also be practised in the home. Adjust your water usage pattern to take advantage of maximum solar gains.
Have a plumber install a flow control valve to each shower outlet, basin and sink to reduce water usage.
Relief valve running
Is the relief valve discharging too much water?
Refer to
“Temperature Pressure Relief Valve or Expansion Control Valve Running”
on page 22.
Water heater size
Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements?
The sizing guide in the sales literature and on the Rheem website
sizes that may be needed.
Green LED is off or red LED is flashing on Solar Monitor
If the green LED is off or the red LED is flashing on the Solar Monitor label, there may be a problem with
the solar water heater operation and solar gain is not being achieved. This will result in the gas booster
operating to provide all of the hot water required.
Switch off the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar storage tank for a few seconds, then switch
on again.
If the green LED remains off or the red LED recommences to flash, then count the number of flashes and
phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
FAN CONTINUES TO RUN AFTER WATER HEATER OPERATION STOPS
It is the normal operation of the in-series gas booster for the fan to continue running after heating of the water
is finished. The fan may run for up to two minutes after the burners extinguish, to prepare for the next ignition.
