Why do i see smoke coming from my iStore?
The iStore carries out automatic defrost cycles during very cold weather conditions to prevent ice build up. During the defrost cycle a fog or mist may be witnessed coming from the iStore. There is no cause for concern should this be seen.
What should i do after the water is turned off to my property or iStore?
Air and sediment may enter the hot water pipes depending on whether the local water authority was carrying out major works or some other minor maintenance on your home plumbing system.
Simply run any hot water tap until it flows normally.
Why does water drip from the iStore valves?
All storage hot water systems need to control the pressure in the tank as the water expands during the heat cycle, it is normal for the pressure control valve(s) to drip during a heat cycle and this will cease once the heat cycle is completed. Australian Water authorities are aware of this loss and allow approximately 2% water loss during a heat cycle.
Why does water flow from the condensate drain?
Compressor technology water heaters like the iStore are constantly filling with condensation that forms on the very cold evaporator, this is identical to the operation of a fridge or an air conditioner. The condensate amount will vary depending on the humidity of the day and will cease once the heat cycle is completed.
When should i use Vacation Mode
To comply with the Australian storage hot water regulations all manufacturers must comply with anti-legionnaires protection within their product.
Vacation mode was previously used as a tool if you do not wish to wait for a tank reheat when you return from vacation.
Extensive testing and real life operation has shown that utilizing the compressor heating system as the method to achieve the compliance is far more efficient.
During short vacations simply leave your iStore it its normal mode and let it reheat while you are away, confident that you water is kept safe at the lowest possible energy consumption. The iStore may only reheat once per week while you are away depending on weather conditions.
For extended vacations you may turn your iStore power supply off while you are away but note that the clock will need reset if you are away for over 10-14 days.
Does the iStore run for the full timer window?
NO, the timer windows are designed to control operation of the iStore to the desired period(s), during the timer window the iStore will “wake up” and review the internal tank temperature. Should the water require heating then the system will operate until the target temperature is reached.
Once the target temperature is reached the iStore will shutdown the heat cycle but will remain in an alert state observing the water temperature, should the water require heating again it will restart the heat cycle.
The timer OFF setting will override the heat cycle and move the iStore to the “sleep” or OFF state. No heating will take place outside of the timer window.
How confident is iStore in the tanks?
The iStore and iHeat tanks are made in China to our specification, these tanks have been used by us for 18 years in across the country. With 40,000 tanks now installed over this time we have very high confidence level in the performance and longevity of the tanks. Some states have some quite harsh water and others high pressures. Note that all installations require pressure reduction valves to comply with the Australia wide 500kpa limitation for household plumbing fittings which also protects the tank. The iStore tanks have 2 sacrificial anodes, one whole of life and the other a service anode that should be serviced approximately every 3 years depending on your water quality.
Can i redirect or duct the air from an iStore?
Currently we do not offer any ducting to redirect the exhaust air from an iStore. Please note that the exhaust is typically between 5 to 10 degrees colder than the ambient temperature and typically operates for less that 4 hrs per day. This relatively short operating time provides a total volume not typically offering any reuse opportunity. Please note that we do not want the exhaust air restricted in any manner as this could adversely effect the operation and longevity of the iStore.
Do i need to set any timers?
No – the iStore can be left to operate on the thermostat only if you wish.
Does the fan only run when the iStore is heating?
Yes – the operation of the fan indicates that the iStore is running its heating cycle, the fan will stop once the temperature target is reached.