Step 7F: Mixing (also called “tempering”) valves are needed on solar hot water systems to limit
the temperature of the hot water delivered from the system to the house. Water temperatures in
solar storage tanks can reach 180°F (82°C) or more, but temperatures above 120°F (50°C) can
cause scalding in sinks, showers or baths. The mixing valve senses the temperature of hot water
being drawn from the tank and automatically mixes in cold water to reduce the temperature
delivered to the house to a preset value below 120°F (50°C).
Be sure that the mixing valve you are using meets your local code requirements. You may not
need mixing valves in new homes that have shower valves with built-in anti-scald control
features. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the installation of the mixing
valve. We recommend installing isolation valves around the mixing valve to facilitate service.
These valve are time savers, but not required.
When done with the rest of the system installation, verify again that all joints remain leak-free.
Then, insulate the hot water line coming from the tank. In California, you are required to
insulate the last 1.5 m (5 feet) of the cold-water line to the tank to limit heat losses by conduction
from that line as well. If 1.5m is not exposed, i.e. in a wall, cover the exposed portion. The
same is true for hot water outlet piping.
Adjust the knob on top of the mixing valve to obtain the desired hot water temperature in
the
house. Note that the adjustment at the mixing valve will take precedence over the
setpoint of the
tank, so if you increase the tank setpoint temperature, the water going to
the house may not get
hotter unless you also increase the setting of the mixing valve.
Many local building codes now require the addition of an expansion tank on the hot water line,
and insulating jackets on the water heaters, See Figure 12. Check with your local code
authority.
Step 7G: The tank is now ready to put back in service. For gas hot water tanks, relight the pilot,
then set the gas thermostat to 125℉ (51.7℃). Tank manufactures recommend that the customer
can adjust to suit their needs. Turning the thermostat toward the Low to Warm 80℉-90℉
(26.6℃-32.2℃) range will improve solar performance. Going above the 125℉ (51.7℃) set point
is not recommended because the mixing valve will bring temperature back to the 120℉ (48.9℃)
the mixing valve set point.
For electric tanks, restore the power by turning on the beaker and, set the top thermostat at 125℉
(51.7℃) and the bottom thermostat at 125℉ (51.7℃). Tank manufactures recommend that the
customer can adjust to suit their needs. Turning the thermostats toward the 90℉ (32.2℃) range
will improve solar performance. Going above the 125℉ (51.7℃) set point is not recommended
because the mixing valve will bring temperature back to the 120℉ (48.9℃) the mixing valve set
point.