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?
Please refer to the FAQ “When should i use Vacation Mode” prior to reviewing and implementing the steps below.
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.
Why is my hot water pressure reduced?
Whether it be a new installation or your iStore has been installed for some time there are a number of factors to consider.
NEW INSTALLATION:-
All appliances and fittings within an Australian home are now produced to accept a maximum pressure of 500kpa, in fact new housing developments have limiting valves just after the water meter to restrict the whole of home. This means that your dishwasher, fridge, washing machine, flexible undersink hoses etc are all protected from over pressure. The iStore is specified to have a pressure reduction valve in place to meet the design of criteria of 500kpa.
EXISTING INSTALLATION:-
Plumbing valves are susceptible to clogging if a significant volume of sediment passes thru the the pipework. Clogging of the valves may reduce the pressure delivery from the iStore but may also influence the operation also the anti-scald valve, it a significant amount of sediment blocks the protective screens at the valve the temperature of the water delivered to the house can be reduced.
There is nothing inside the iStore unit that can restrict the flow, it the pressure or delivery temperature is being effected then please call your installation plumber and discuss your concerns and possible service needs.
What is an anti-scald or tempering valve?
This valve is mandated by the Australian government to prevent children and the elderly from getting scalded with hot water, these valves were mandated in 2013 for all states on new or replacement storage hot water systems.. The anti-scald valve will automatically mix the water down to a maximum of 5o degrees celcius for delivery to the household. It is illegal to alter or remove an anti-scald valve.
Does an iStore have to be installed on the North side of the house?
No, the iStore will operate normally on any aspect as the ambient temperature on any open area around the house will be the same. This is a very old misconception on the operation of compressor style hot water heaters.
Can i connect my wood heater to an iStore?
No, the iStore cannot accept anything termed as an uncontrolled heat source, these can be a wood chip heater, a wetback fireplace, or traditional solar hot water panels, as these products can deliver boiling water to the iStore. Connection of these products will void the iStore warranty.
Do I need to run a seperate electrical supply and fuse from the electrical switchboard solely for the iStore?
Technically your iStore can reside on a shared circuit but we will leave the ultimate decision to your electrician to decide whether the circuit is suitable for the load from either size of iStore you chose. There are many factors that determine whether a circuit is suitable to handle the possible loads introduced and the electrician will consider those and the AS/NZ3000 wiring standards when installing our products.