
Indirect hot water heaters offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional tank-style water heaters. They can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.
One of the main benefits of indirect hot water heaters is their ability to reuse heat from a boiler or furnace. This can be especially beneficial for homes with a high water demand.
By reusing existing heat, indirect hot water heaters can reduce the need for additional energy sources, such as electric resistance heaters. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
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Choosing the Right Heater
An indirect water heater is a more efficient choice for most homes, even though they require a storage tank.
If you're replacing a conventional 40 or 50-gallon water heater, simply match it up with a similar capacity indirect water heater.
An indirect water heater uses the main furnace or boiler to heat a fluid that's circulated through a heat exchanger in the storage tank, which can be the least expensive means of providing hot water, particularly if the heat source boiler is set to "cold start".
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Is It Right for Your Home?
Indirect water heaters are a great fit for homes with space heating systems. These systems typically use boilers for heating, and an indirect water heater can be seamlessly integrated with the boiler system.
If your residence uses boilers for heating, an indirect water heater can be a fantastic addition. It optimizes both your home's space heating and water heating capabilities.
Assess your home's heating systems before making a decision. Understand what an indirect water heater brings to the table and determine if it's the perfect fit for your domestic needs.
By choosing the right heater for your home, you can streamline energy use and maximize efficiency.
Why Choose a Heater?
Choosing a heater can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Indirect water heaters offer a unique solution that's worth considering.
Their efficiency is unparalleled, particularly when compared to direct counterparts. This is due to their seamless integration with high-efficiency boilers, resulting in an impressive rate of hot water production.

The indirect water heater's storage tank is a standout feature, ensuring a consistent hot water supply. This means multiple family members can draw hot water simultaneously without experiencing temperature drops or inconsistencies.
One of the biggest advantages of indirect water heaters is their ability to conserve energy. By avoiding continuous heating and reheating of water, they provide a more energy-efficient solution.
Their design allows for a segregation of heating from hot water needs, ensuring homeowners won't run out of hot water, especially during peak usage times. This is particularly beneficial during cold winter months when the heating system runs almost continuously.
Heater Types and Options
There are several types of indirect-fired water heaters to choose from. The internal tankless coil is one option, where the coil containing the domestic water supply is located in the water jacket of the boiler.
This design has a drawback: the absence of hot water storage. Additionally, the boiler water temperature needs to be maintained at a high level to heat the domestic water as it passes through the coil.
The external tankless coil is another option, which has a separate storage tank that contains an internal coil. It connects to the sides of the boiler, and a newer version is the plate heat exchanger, which uses a series of wafers or plates with internal porting.
Some indirect water heating systems also include a storage tank, like the tankless coil with storage tank. This system boosts water heating capacity by storing heated water in a vertical tank, which is usually maintained by a recirculating loop.
Here are the main types of indirect-fired water heaters:
- Internal Tankless Coil: coil in the boiler water jacket
- External Tankless Coil: separate storage tank with internal coil
- Tankless Coil with Storage Tank: coil with storage tank for boosted capacity
Heaters
Indirect water heaters are a more efficient choice for most homes, even though they require a storage tank. They use the main furnace or boiler to heat a fluid that's circulated through a heat exchanger in the storage tank.
An indirect water heater can be the least expensive means of providing hot water, particularly if the heat source boiler is set to "cold start." This is because the energy stored by the water tank allows the furnace to turn off and on less often, which saves energy.
Indirect-fired water heaters do not require electricity or gas and, therefore, do not need a vent. They're essentially a storage tank with a coil inside and inlet and outlet taps.
There are three variations of indirect-fired water heaters: internal tankless coil, external tankless coil, and tankless coil with storage tank. The internal tankless coil is located in the water jacket of the boiler, while the external tankless coil has a separate storage tank that contains an internal coil.
The tankless coil with storage tank, or Aqua Booster, is designed to boost water heating capacity. After water has been heated by going through the indirect system's coil, it is stored in a vertical storage tank.
Some indirect-fired water heaters, like the ITE indirect tank, are used in solar applications. They come in various capacities, ranging from 389 to 1024 liters, with a nominal output of 52 to 87 kW.
In comparison, conventional water heaters are only about 50% efficient, while indirect-fired water heaters are 99.9% efficient. This means that an indirect-fired water heater can save you money in the long run.
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Difference from Direct Heating
An indirect water heater doesn't rely on its own heat source, instead, it banks on the home's primary space heating system to provide the necessary warmth to the water.
This crucial difference highlights the indirect water heater's efficiency and its ability to maintain consistent water temperatures. It eliminates the frequent on-and-off cycles seen in direct heaters, often leading to energy wastage and wear.
Indirect water heaters are a more efficient choice for most homes, even though they require a storage tank. An indirect water heater uses the main furnace or boiler to heat a fluid that's circulated through a heat exchanger in the storage tank.
The energy stored by the water tank allows the furnace to turn off and on less often, which saves energy. An indirect water heater, if used with a high-efficiency boiler and well-insulated tank, can be the least expensive means of providing hot water, particularly if the heat source boiler is set to "cold start."
Hot Tank Purchase
If you're considering buying an indirect hot water tank, be aware that prices will vary depending on the manufacturer.
These tanks have some small differences from one another, so it's worth doing your research to find the best fit for your needs.
You can also call or email the manufacturer for more information, and they'll be happy to answer all your questions.
Heater Comparison and Benefits
Indirect hot water heaters are a game-changer for those looking to save energy and money.
Conventional water heaters are only about 50% efficient, which means half of the money you spend on gas is wasted through the chimney.
In contrast, indirect-fired water heaters are 99.9% efficient, making them a much more cost-effective option in the long run.
You don't need to worry about two separate gas lines during the winter, as an indirect hot water tank uses the connected boiler's energy.
An indirect-fired water heater has no mechanical parts that can go wrong, giving you peace of mind and reducing maintenance costs.
It's made of durable stainless steel, which means it will last for decades with proper care.
Heater Features and Costs

Indirect water heaters are a more efficient choice for most homes. They use the main furnace or boiler to heat a fluid that's circulated through a heat exchanger in the storage tank.
An indirect water heater requires a storage tank, but it can be the least expensive means of providing hot water. This is especially true if the heat source boiler is set to "cold start."
Using a high-efficiency boiler and a well-insulated tank can make an indirect water heater even more cost-effective.
What Size Heater Do I Need?
If you're replacing a conventional water heater, a good rule of thumb is to match the new indirect water heater's capacity to the old one.
A 40 or 50-gallon conventional water heater was likely sufficient for your needs, so you can simply match it up with a similar capacity indirect water heater.
Tankless water heaters are a great option because they're far more efficient than conventional water heaters.
Features

One of the key features of indirect water heaters is their capacity, which can range from 300 to 2800 litres. This flexibility makes them suitable for various home setups.
Some models, like those with a capacity of 300 litres, come with three adjustable legs that facilitate easy installation. This is a convenient feature that saves time and effort.
Other models, such as those with a capacity of 400-1000 litres, feature an insulated ring base. This helps to reduce heat loss and improve overall efficiency.
All of these models also have an insulated clean out door, which allows for comprehensive waterside maintenance. This is an essential feature for ensuring the longevity of the heater.
Additionally, many indirect water heaters come with a replaceable magnesium anode. This helps to protect the heater from corrosion and extend its lifespan.
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Long-Term Cost Effectiveness
Indirect water heaters can be the least expensive means of providing hot water, particularly if the heat source boiler is set to "cold start".

Their enhanced efficiency translates to notable savings on energy bills over time. The initial cost of investing in an indirect water heater might seem steep, but it's a worthwhile investment in the long run.
An indirect water heater's longer lifespan means reduced chances of frequent replacements. This is a significant advantage over direct heaters, which may need to be replaced more often.
The design of indirect water heaters, lacking a burner, means less maintenance and fewer worries about breakdowns or malfunctions. This absence of a burner is a key point of wear and tear for direct heaters.
With the right setup, including a high-efficiency boiler and well-insulated tank, indirect water heaters can be a cost-effective choice. The energy stored by the water tank allows the furnace to turn off and on less often, which saves energy.
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Heater Definition and Basics
An indirect water heater is a sophisticated system that banks on the main furnace or boiler to heat a specific fluid.
This heated fluid then circulates through a heat exchanger located inside a storage tank, making it a more efficient choice for most homes.
An indirect water heater requires a storage tank, but it uses the main furnace or boiler to heat the fluid, which is then circulated through the heat exchanger.
This unique design offers several advantages, including segregating a home's heating from its hot water needs, ensuring homeowners won't experience the disappointment of running out of hot water.
The energy stored by the water tank allows the furnace to turn off and on less often, which saves energy.
Final Considerations
Indirect hot water heaters offer a combination of efficiency, sustainability, and longevity.
The choice between direct and indirect heating ultimately depends on individual preferences and home setups, but indirect heating has clear benefits.
With state-of-the-art components like Plate Heat Exchangers, Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers, and Water to Air Heat Exchangers available, you can ensure optimal performance.
The right knowledge and the right components can significantly elevate your home's heating solutions, making indirect water heating a worthy consideration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an indirect hot water heater?
An indirect hot water heater uses the main furnace or boiler to heat water in a storage tank, reducing the need for frequent furnace cycling. This efficient design saves energy by leveraging the stored heat in the water tank.
What are the disadvantages of indirect water heaters?
Indirect water heaters have two main disadvantages: they require more space due to larger storage tanks and external connections, and they can increase operating costs by running existing heating systems more frequently.
What is the life expectancy of an indirect water heater?
An indirect water heater can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance, making it a long-lasting and reliable option for hot water needs. Proper maintenance is key to maximizing its lifespan.
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