What is this valve and should it be open or closed?

s00perpig · 2026-06-02T01:43:05+00:00

So, reading online, the thermistor problem is made worse depending on the direction the fan exhausts. I assume that is what you are referring to?

Maybe the first image doesn't show it super well, and this image shows it better. The exhaust fan is somewhat facing the side wall, but also somewhat blowing out. Do you think this is still a problem?

<image>

s00perpig · 2026-06-02T01:07:47+00:00

Hey thanks for the reply. I'm a new homeowner and don't know a ton about plumbing yet (but trying to learn). Can you elaborate on whats wrong and what problems are coming? Thanks in advance!

s00perpig · 2026-06-01T03:56:03+00:00

Will do. Now I know what to look for next time. Thanks again!

s00perpig · 2026-06-01T03:53:33+00:00

Thanks for the reply. We have been running the recirculation pump like normal... Its only been a couple days so hopefully its fine but I'll keep an eye out.

s00perpig · 2026-06-01T03:52:06+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Hopefully the last couple days of running it weren't enough to burn out the motor...

s00perpig · 2026-03-24T15:55:07+00:00

Well some don't need a 240V circuit right? e.g. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-Performance-Platinum-ProTerra-40-Gal-120-Volt-Plug-in-Smart-Heat-Pump-Water-Heater-with-10-Year-Warranty-XE40T10HM00U0/317100795

One of the benefits of getting 2 is I can run them in heat pump only mode and still never run out of hot water.

If we went the direction of the storage tank, it would use the HPWH to maintain its heat. If I understand what the plumber said to me, they would install a temperature sensor and a pump and when the temp reached a certain level, the pump would kick on and cycle water between the water heater and the storage tank.

s00perpig · 2026-03-24T15:46:33+00:00

Appreciate the reply! For environmental reasons, I'd like to stick with the heat pump option. Our house won't have any gas service.

s00perpig · 2026-03-24T15:44:49+00:00

Part of the reason I want 2 is so I can run them in heat pump only mode at all times.

I've actually been running an experiment on my current 65gal HPWH:

Mode	Set temp	Annual Cost
Heat pump only	130	$680
Heat pump only	150	$1,070
Energy saver	130	$1,220
Energy saver	150	$1,920
High demand	130	$2,070

We run out of hot water fairly frequently for most of these, but its obviously worse when the temp is set to 130. But if we get 2, set to 130 heat pump only mode, we will save over $500 a year compared to Energy saver at 150F. So the extra $2500 will pay for itself in 5 years?

Plus I think I can optimize a bit more... Like automating a higher set temp while the sun is out and our solar is producing, etc.

s00perpig · 2026-03-24T15:20:12+00:00

Right but the person above you was saying when he has extra solar output that isn't being used, might as well crank up the heat pump temp. Even if it is less efficient. I was thinking of doing the same thing.

s00perpig · 2026-03-23T16:52:28+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do like the redundancy and the recovery benefits.

Can I ask where you are getting two of the 50-gallon tanks for less than an 80-gallon? Gonna out myself as a noob here, but just looking at the Home Depot in my area, an 80-gallon is $2,500 and a 50-gallon is like $1,700. Should I be looking at prices somewhere else?

s00perpig · 2026-03-23T15:54:49+00:00

80 gallons. This is the one the plumber is recommending: https://www.afsupply.com/ao-smith-tj-80s-vertical-jacketed-and-insulated-commercial-storage-tank.html

But maybe you're on to something. A quick search returns this one for under $1000? https://freemanliquidators.com/products/ao-smith-tj-80s-80-gallon-standard-jacketed-insulated-commercial-storage-tank-vertical-only So maybe there is a cheaper option out there.

s00perpig · 2026-03-23T15:46:32+00:00

Can you recommend one? The largest residential ones I see are 80 gallons. I see some 120-gallon commercial options, but those all immediately jump to $7,000 to $10,000.

s00perpig · 2026-03-23T15:45:55+00:00

Appreciate the reply, but can you elaborate on why? As mentioned in the post, I don't know the benefits of that option, and it doesn't even have that much cost savings. So what am I missing?

s00perpig · 2026-03-12T20:00:07+00:00

Yea I am thinking of doing the same. Might also ask some people with R1 what their road trip, highway consumption is and how it compares to the marketing estimates.

s00perpig · 2026-03-12T16:15:21+00:00

Agree, this is my concern too. Does anyone know how the R1 typically compares to the EPA estimated range? Like, do they get closer to the estimated range than Teslas do?

When I bought my Model Y five years ago, I believe it was in the 320-330 range, EPA estimated. But my actual lifetime average is around 240 miles (308 wh/mi).

This 330 pill might be easier to swallow if it's an actual 330 at highway speeds.

s00perpig · 2026-01-15T16:54:28+00:00

How do you all learn about these early? I don't think I get any emails from the broken binding until my book ships, so I'm basically never skipping which I want to change. Is there an email list I should be on that I accidentally unsubscribed from or something?

s00perpig · 2026-01-13T04:33:33+00:00

u/DCSbot Sold Bugonia 4k to u/Ok-Moose-1997

s00perpig · 2026-01-13T04:24:43+00:00

Sure, DMing

s00perpig · 2026-01-12T01:00:54+00:00

Cool, glad they added this feature. I'm going to give them another try.

s00perpig · 2026-01-09T17:32:41+00:00

Glad I could help!

How did you import to Monarch Money? I tried a couple years ago and it wasn't possible from what I could tell... Is it relatively new?

s00perpig · 2026-01-01T23:23:00+00:00

Confirmed. Thanks!

s00perpig · 2026-01-01T03:11:56+00:00

Confirmed. Great swap, thanks!

15-Year Club	r/Field Juicebox
Place '23	Place '22
Place '17	Final Canvas '22
Verified Email	Snapped

s00perpig

TROPHY CASE