I bought this product for my small 360 sf studio building because it is one of the few gas fired heaters that can be used in-doors. I wanted a gas fired unit after reading on-line reviews that noted electric heaters are slow to heat up water. I am using an in-door cistern so I don't to waste water while I am waiting for it heat up. My sink and shower is about 8 feet from the unit, and the water line runs through a crawl space which is 40 degrees today. The cistern water temperature is probably less than 60 degrees. The water begins to flow warm in just a few seconds and is fully hot in less than 15 seconds. I have set the unit controls for approximately maximum water flow and minimum gas in order to keep the water from becoming too hot. I estimate that the unit will easily raise the water temperature 45 degrees as advertised, and probably more in my experience. This heater works exactly as advertised. The unit itself is sleek and attractive looking. It feels very sturdy and the cabinet is fairly heavy gauge metal.
I have some experience as a home owner/handyman and I was able to install the heater relying on the directions that came with the product. I made the mistake of over-tightening the water line and broke the brass connector. I called Eccotemp and left a message. Shortly thereafter I got a call from the help desk. I got excellent advice on how the obtain and install the replacement part. I ordered the part and it came in a few days. Next, I couldn't get the unit to fire up when I turned on the hot water spigot. The fault was mine. I didn't know at the time that my propane gas tank was empty. I emailed the help desk and got back a call within two hours, but when I didn't respond to the call, I got another call about 7:00 o'clock that night. This is the first time I have ever had a vendor pursue ME in order to get me the advise I was asking for. Terrific really. In addition to being out of gas, it turned that I didn't have a regulator on the tank. I got very specific advice on the kind of regulator I needed and how to install it.
Buyers should note that the device requires a gas regulator if you are using a portable propane tank, but the instructions do not say so. The help desk advised me to get a 11 inch water column regulator, or the standard regulator sold for propane fired grills. I couldn't find a regulator that specifically said it was 11 inch water column, but a regulator from Home Depot for grills worked just fine. It cost $16.
This is the best vendor service I have ever received for a mail order product.
| Brand | Eccotemp |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 14.5"W x 4"H |
| Color | White |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 3.6 Gallons Per Minute |
| Heat Output | 140 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Style | Liquid Propane |
| Mounting Type | Wall |
| Manufacturer | Eccotemp Systems |
| Part Number | FVI-12-LP |
| Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
| Item model number | FVI12-LP |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 11-50 Gallons |
| Finish | White |
| Shape | Rectangle |
| Installation Method | Permanent |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Water Consumption | 3.5 Gallons per Minute |
| Display Style | Digital |
| Certification | UL |
| Included Components | FVI12-LP Tankless Water Heater, Horizontal Venting, Instruction Manual, Installation Hardware |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Limited Warranty |
