Swapping gas-fired tank with Sunamp Thermino: NYSERDA house

Introduction: New York State Energy Research & Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Next Gen Buildings program seeks to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative solutions that enable electrification and decarbonisation of building stock in the state of New York. The Challenge: Albany homeowner wanted to replace their gas-fired Weil McLain indirect tank in their single 3 person occupancy house, to reduce gas consumption as well as improve boiler efficiency. They needed a solution to be as reliable as their gas-fired tank but also a lot more sustainable and kinder to the planet. Existing system Weil McLain gas-fired boiler and a Weil McLain 40 gallons tank The Solution: The homeowner paired up with NYSERDA and joined the Next Gen Buildings program which aims to help New York State achieve a carbon neutral economy by supporting building innovations that enable buildings to be cleaner, more energy efficient, load flexible, and resilient. The goal is to achieve at least an 85% reduction of greenhouse gases (from a 1990 baseline) by 2050. The gas-fired tank was replaced with a Sunamp Thermino heat battery coupled with a variety of existing and new system parts to provide domestic hot water and heating in a more efficient and clean way. The boiler charges the Thermino – which is 40 gallons (150 litres) equivalent – at a minimum temperature of 149F (65C). The battery stores that heat and releases it for hot water, preventing the boiler from firing up every time there is demand for hot water.