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.
Can an iStore be installed inside?
Yes an iStore can be installed inside but the iStore requires a minimum of 120 cubic meters of natural ventilation to operate efficiently. An example would be an area of 8.0m x 6.3m x 2.4m (a large double garage or open space under a home). External installation is the preferred method to capture the warm ambient air temperature but note the air discharged will always be cold. If unit is being installed internally, provision for fresh air to be introduced shall be provided 450(270L) / 700(180L) m3/h minimum requirement
Can i claim the Queensland(QLD) – Climate Smart Energy Savers rebate?
Yes the iStore is eligible for this QLD rebate as well as the Federal Government rebate.
From the govt website:-
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/home-modifications-energy-savings/climate-smart-energy-savers/about
- Solar hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems.
- Solar hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems can receive a discount under the Federal Government’s Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) scheme and still be eligible for a rebate.
NOTE – there is no Energy Star rating for any heat pump hot water systems in Australia and this is not a requirement for this scheme. The iStore qualifies by the fact it is included in the Federal Scheme.
Can I put my iStore on a Controlled Load or Offpeak Circuit?
Yes technically there is no reason why an iStore cannot be on a controlled load circuit.
Note that technical support during normal business hours can be limited unless there is a manual override of the circuit available.
Utilising the built in timers is typically a more flexible way to restrict the operating times to those desired.
It is not advised to attempt integration of the iStore built in timers with the Offpeak circuit as the grid removing power at varying times may interrupt the heating cycles from the built in timers. Removal of the power will leave the iStore in the state it was in at that time, for example if the unit was in the OFF state when the power was removed then it will remember that and be in the OFF state when the grid turns the power back on. The iStore will not switch back on until the start timer is reached and hence may not heat at all during the grid power supply time.
Why does vacation mode not activate?
Vacation mode requires a number of things to be setup and some simple steps to activate.
Firstly the system year, month, day, and time needs to be set, refer to the owners manual.
Secondly, turn the unit to the OFF state with a 2 second press, hold, and release of the power button.
Thirdly, set the mode to vacation by tapping the mode button to step thru the modes until the umbrella is displayed. Once vacation mode is selected the system will prompt for the month, day, and year of return, set each and tap thru until the lcd return to TODAYS date.
The LCD will NOT display the return date but instead the current date.
Please always refer to the most up-to-date owners manual available on the website as it is progressively improved with tips and operating instructions.
What star rating does the iStore units have?
The Australian Government department of Energy Rating tests and issues the Star rating for all products. www.energyrating.gov.au states “Solar, heat pump and electric instantaneous water heaters do not have energy efficiency requirements.”
The Federal goverment Clean Energy Regulator(CER) issues certificates that indicate how much energy can be saved in the remaining 8 years of the ERF/ACCU schemes. An iStore can save a household between 24Mw to 25Mw of power(depending on location) in that period and based on these certified results the CER provides incentives to home owners to install this technology.
When compared to electric or gas hot water systems an iStore can easily reduce the energy used by 70%, this figure is certified and used for state based rebates such as those in Victoria and New South Wales.