Hubbell Geyser-RO Operating instructions

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Geyser-RO
Heat Pump Water Heater
Installation & Owner’s Manual
Connection to Gas-Fired Water Heaters
Version 2.5

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SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read carefully to prevent serious accidents or injury.
The Geyser-RO Heat Pump Water Heater must be installed in the accordance with Local and National
codes as well as the installation instructions in this manual. Before beginning the installation, carefully
read the entire manual and check the local, state, and national codes regarding building, electrical, and
plumbing installations, or check with your local authorities for clarification of these codes. Failure to
install the Geyser-RO in accordance with these codes and the installation manual may result in property
damage, bodily injury or death.
Disconnect all power before installing or servicing the Geyser-RO.
There is a discharge fan located on the unit. Extreme caution must be exercised to ensure that any
foreign objects including fingers and hands remain clear of the fan area.
Do not stand, sit or place any objects on or beside the unit (clearances are stated in the installation
manual).
Do not allow children to play on or near the unit.
Make sure all power is disconnected and shut off before moving the unit.
Cover should not be removed with power on.
Internal components may be HOT. Please allow sufficient time for the unit to cool completely
before touching any internal components.
Ensure that the power receptacle for the Geyser-RO is rated for 115 VAC and at least 15 A.
Ensure that the electrical supply has a properly rated fuse or circuit breaker protection rated for at
least 15 A. It is suggested to use a dedicated outlet.
Always wear eye protection during installation.
Unit weight is approximately 70lbs. All lifting should be done with the handles located on the side
of the Geyser-RO. Proper lifting should be used in the moving of the unit.
Do not turn on power to the Geyser-RO unless the A419 temperature sensor is installed to Nyle
Systems specifications. Failure to do so will void the warranty and could cause severe injury or
death.
Read all supplied literature including the Johnson Controls Owner’s Manual before installation.
Please keep these instructions for reference!

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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Geyser-RO should only be installed in a dry/covered location. The Geyser-RO is not designed to
be installed outside where it can be exposed to adverse weather conditions. The ambient air
temperature in the installation area should not drop below 50°F (10°C). The space where the
Geyser-RO is located needs to be 1,000 cubic feet or greater for proper air flow and to avoid
excessive cooling of the area. The Geyser-RO can be installed in attics, garages, or basements
provided the above criteria are met for proper installation.
The Geyser-RO connects to a typical household outlet, 115 VAC and 15 A. While the device requires
approximately 12 Amps momentarily upon power-up, the device draws 5-8 Amps during normal
operation. It is recommended that a dedicated 15 A Circuit be used to power the Geyser-RO. The
Geyser-RO is recommended for installation on storage tanks of 40 gallons (151.4 liters) or greater.
A drain must be available to accommodate condensate generated during operation of the Geyser-
RO. In high humidity environments, the Geyser-RO is capable of generating as much as 50 pints (24
liters) per day. The condensate can be routed to a floor drain, sink, the house waste line, or to the
outside by way of the drain hose (provided).
Check with the codes in your area for the proper way to dispose of the condensate. A condensate
pump may be required (not included).
The Geyser-RO will remove moisture from the air. It is an efficient dehumidifier and many have
found that the unit provides all the necessary dehumidification for the space the Geyser-RO is
located.
Moisture may occasionally cause frost to form on the evaporator. When frost builds up, the
Geyser-RO will go into a defrost cycle. This could occur as often as every two hours in a cold, humid
environment. While in defrost mode the fan will continue to run until the frost is removed from the
coil.
The Geyser-RO does not have any source of backup heat due to the external temperature
controller. In the event of a spike in domestic hot water (DHW) demand or failure within the
Geyser-RO there will be no source to provide back-up heat. In this circumstance, turn the Geyser-
RO off and turn the original source of heating on. Call your service technician for more information.
The Johnson A419 Series Electronic Temperature Control is supplied with 6 ft of wire to the bulb
sensor. Make sure the Geyser-RO can be installed within 6 ft of your existing water tank. Longer
sensor bulb wire is available up to 15 ft.
If you are retrofitting a boiler mate with the Geyser-RO call Hubbell Electric Heater Company
(203-378-2659) to make sure you have the proper diptube assembly for installation.

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Installation Parts
The Geyser-RO comes with the following installation kit:
Qty Description
14” x ¾” Brass Nipple
2¾” Brass Tee
1Dip Tube
2¾” FH x ¾” FIPS, w/ Washers
4 ¾” PEX x ¾” MIP
1Teflon Tape
11” Hose Clamp
6’ Condensate Tubing
Note: The two ¾” FH x ¾” FIPS fittings come pre-assembled with two of the ¾” PEX x ¾” MIP fittings.
This pre-assembled fitting should be hand tightened on the inlet and outlet connections of the Geyser-
RO. No wrenches are to be used on the inlet and outlet connections of the Geyser-RO. Failure to
comply will void warranty.

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Installation Parts
In addition to the installation kit, you will also need to provide the following parts in order to
complete installation:
Qty Description
12’ ¾” PEX Tubing
12’ Armaflex ¾” Insulation
3’ Cork Tape
3’ Foam Tape
4 Pex Collars
Note: DO NOT use Rubatrex insulation that is split down the middle. Armaflex seals the PEX line from
the ambient air. Rubatrex allows air to surround the PEX which results in greater heat loss from the PEX
thus decreasing the performance of the Geyser-RO.
Hubbell recommends that you isolate the Geyser-ROwith two shut-off valves for easy alterations
between your current water heating source and the Geyser-RO. To switch between heat sources
simply turn off both the power and water supply to one source and turn on power and water supply to
the other. These valves are optional and not included in the installation kit.
Note: Some ¾” shut-off valves taper to a ¼” orifice which restricts flow and thus decreases efficiency of
the Geyser-RO. To operate with the maximum performance of the unit it is recommended to use ¾”
shut-off valves with the largest diameter orifice you can incorporate.
You will need the following tools to properly install your Geyser-RO:
Flat Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Adjustable Wrench
Pipe Wrench
¾” PEX Crimpers
PEX Cutter (not shown)

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Installation of the Geyser-RO
Note: The following installation instructions cover the installation of the Geyser-RO in conjunction with
the Johnson Controls A419 Electronic Temperature Controller on a DWH system other than an electrical
resistance water heater. This includes boiler mates, indirect fired oil and gas, direct fired oil and gas,
and solar storage tanks. Refer to pages 15-19for piping diagrams of the various water heaters. It is
recommended that you contact Hubbell (203-378-2659) to speak with a technician to see how the
Geyser-ROcan be used in your particular application.
Survey the area where the Geyser-RO is to be installed. Make sure the area is clear of obstructions, clear
of debris, and clean of significant dust and dirt that can get into the unit or clog the filter.
Area should be at least 1,500 ft3of open space.
Ambient air temperature should be at least 50°F (10°C). Temperatures lower than this will cause the
unit to defrost constantly and reduce the efficiency. If the temperature in the space gets lower
than 50°F (10°C), it is recommended that the unit be shut off until a constant temperature above
50°F (10°C) can be maintained.
When choosing the placement of the Geyser-RO, make sure the fan is not blocked or close to a wall
or other object that could inhibit air flow.
The Geyser-RO should be placed on the floor or set on vibration isolation pads. Make sure the unit
is higher than the drain and the drain line has an unobstructed path to the drain.
You can install the unit in an elevated position if desired. Make sure the unit is secured and the
piping is not kinked or restricted in any way. The unit should not be installed higher than the top of
the water heater.
Piping should be kept to a minimum and as short as possible to minimize heat loss. We recommend
piping of less than 4’ in length.
Check the overall condition of the existing water heater to see if it needs to be replaced.
Make sure the drain is easily accessible.
Be sure shut off valves are in good condition and are in working order.
If unit is being installed in an attic it is recommended that both hard and soft foam be placed on the
joists to absorb any excess vibration.
Make sure there is a 115 VAC outlet in close proximity to where the unit is going to be installed.
If an extension cord is used, it should be a minimum of 12 gauge wire size with 25’ maximum
length.

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Installation Information
The following pages list the suggested installation method to a tank with separate cold water supply, hot
water supply, and drain valve ports. Refer to pages 15-19for installation methods to tanks without
separate ports. It is recommended that you contact Hubbell (203-378-2659) to speak with a technician
to see how the Geyser-ROcan be used in your particular application.
This installation method is designed to achieve maximum efficiency of the Geyser-RO. Deviating from
the following installation procedure will affect the efficiency of the unit. Deviation from the installation
method could also damage the unit and void the warranty.
It is recommended that the Geyser-RO be installed as close as possible to the water heater. We
recommend four feet. This will provide the best performance with the maximum efficiency because
there is less surface area for heat loss to occur.
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

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Installation Instructions
Before you begin, turn off all power to your water heater. Be sure to double check with your electrical
meter to make sure there is no power. Turn off the gas/oil to your water heater. Check to see that the
pilot light has turned off. There should be no gas/oil odor.
A transfer pump is recommended to drain the tank. If no transfer pump available, a garden hose will
suffice. Turn supply water off to the tank via the shut-off valve on the cold water supply line. Keep the
hot water supply line open by opening several hot water faucets in the house. Connect your garden
hose to the drain valve and put the other end of the hose outdoors. Open the drain valve and wait until
all the water is drained from the tank. This should take fifteen minutes to half an hour.
When the tank is completely drained, carefully remove the drain valve and set it aside for use later in
the installation.

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Wrap all male ¾” NTP* threads (brass nipple, diptube, and PEX fittings) with the supplied Teflon Tape.
*NTP fittings do not include fittings on Geyser front panel. These are standard hose thread fittings.
Install 4” x ¾” brass nipple into the drain valve opening.
Do not over tighten the brass nipple.

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Screw one of the two brass “Tee” fittings onto the end of the nipple installed in the drain valve opening.
Screw diptube into the end of the brass “Tee” and make sure the plastic water-in feed tube slides all the
way into the tank without interference from inside the tank.
Note: If there are any obstructions in the way of the diptube from inside the tank, please call
Hubbell Technical Support to see how to install your Geyser-RO. Tel: [phone]
Install the second brass “Tee” on the exposed threads of the diptube assembly.

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Connect the drain valve that was removed earlier into the end of the second brass “Tee”.
Carefully tighten the assembly until both brass “Tees” are in the horizontal position, and the drain valve
opening faces down.
Install both ¾” PEX x ¾” MIP fittings into the open connections on the brass “Tees”.

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Screw the two pre-assembled fittings onto the inlet and outlet of the Geyser-RO. These two fittings are
to be hand tightened only and no wrenches should be used.
Place the Geyser-RO in the desired operating location. The maximum distance from the water heater is
6 feet.
Cut your ¾” PEX hose to length so the PEX fits snug with the MIP fittings.
Note: Remember, if you would like to isolate your Geyser-RO a shut-off valve needs to be installed on
each line. For this installation four PEX lines will need to be cut. Two of the hoses will go from the MIP
fittings on the brass “Tees” to the shut-off valve. The other two PEX lines will go from the shut-off
valves to the Geyser-RO MIP fittings. This method only works when using PEX tube shut-off valves.
Slip two PEX collars on each PEX hose.
Push the PEX onto each of the ¾” PEX barbs that are connected to the brass “Tees” at the drain valve on
your tank. Crimp the PEX collar onto the PEX barbs to secure the PEX lines in place.

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Slide a measured and cut length of Armaflex insulation over each of the PEX lines. Make sure Armaflex
covers the hose and fittings to minimize heat loss.
Repeat the process of connecting and securing the PEX to each of the ¾” PEX barb fittings on the water
inlet and outlet of the Geyser-RO.Connect as follows:
oThe PEX line on the brass “Tee” that is closest to the tank connects to the BOTTOM RIGHT
connection on the Geyser-RO (Geyser-RO Water Inlet).
oThe PEX line on the brass “Tee” that is furthest from the tank connects to the TOP LEFT
connection on the Geyser-RO (Geyser-RO Water Inlet).
Once the PEX tubing is connected to both the unit and the water tank, you may open the cold water
valve on the top of the tank to begin filling the tank. This will also allow you to check the connections
for leaks. Leave one hot water faucet open in the house while filling to allow air in the tank and lines to
escape. Once the water begins running through the open faucet, the system is full of water and you can
close it. If you have a leak, shut off the cold water valve, drain the tank, and fix the leak.
Remove the plastic bib located around the drain valve opening. With the head of a Phillips Screwdriver,
ream a hole in the insulation above the installed nipple that is approximately 2-3” deep. Push the
sensor bulb into the hole and secure it into place with the supplied hose clamp. Do not over tighten the
hose clamp. Over tightening could break the sensor.
Note: Sensor bulb jacket should be in contact with brass nipple for most accurate measurement.

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Wrap cork tape around drain valve until sensor is completely insulated from the ambient air. Press cork
tape against water tank wall to make a seal from ambient air. Wrap cork tape in foam tape to provide
better insulation value.
Note: More insulation provides a more accurate temperature reading.
The following drawing indicates the location of the Johnson Controls A419 sensor:

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DO NOT proceed until the sensor is installed to aforementioned specifications.
Attach the condensate drain line onto the condensate outlet on the back of the Geyser-RO below the
filter. Make sure the drain location is lower than the condensate line so gravity will pull the condensate
from the Geyser-RO. If the drain is higher than the condensate line, a condensate pump may need to be
incorporated to properly dispose of condensate from the unit.
Plug the Geyser-RO into a 115VAC receptacle. Turn power back on at the electrical panel. Turn on the
Geyser-RO and enjoy your energy efficient hot water.
When the installation of the Geyser-RO is complete, the final assembly should look as follows:

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Alternate Installation of the Geyser-RO
Some tank manufacturers use a molded construction that does not allow for a dip tube to be inserted
into the bottom of the tank. In this case we recommend the water be heated by the Geyser-RO, pulled
from a “Tee” on the cold water supply at the top of the tank. The hot water that exits the Geyser-RO is
to be returned to the tank through a “Tee” at the drain valve.
Note: The following installation requires the cold water inlet to the water tank to be cut and a tee
or connector assembly will need to be soldered in place. Hubbell recommends this installation be
done by a licensed plumber.
When the supplied dip tube isn’t used in the system, the following installation method is suggested:

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Geyser-RO Installation to Solar Water Heater
Solar water heaters are different than regular water heaters because they have two extra ports that are
for the inlet and outlet of your solar/heat pump water heater. These extra ports are typically on the
side of the tank. If you are pairing a Geyser-RO to a solar water heater it is suggested to connect the
bottom port to the Geyser-RO inlet and the top port for the outlet.
Note: Some solar water heaters have an immersion thermowell for temperature sensing. If you
have an immersion thermowell on your tank, please contact a Hubbell technician to determine how
best to program your electronic temperature controller to maximize performance.
For connecting to a solar water heater, the following installation method is recommended:

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Geyser-RO Installation to Boiler Mate
Boiler Mates have the drain valve and the cold water inlet on the same line coming into the very bottom
of the tank. In this case, the supplied dip tube cannot be installed. To install a Geyser-ROto a boiler
mate you will have to order a longer dip tube from Hubbell that will be installed on the top port of a
“tee” from your P&T Valve.
Note: Installing a Geyser-RO to a boiler mate will void your tank warranty.
For connecting to a boiler mate, the following installation method is recommended:

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Geyser-RO Installation to Tank w/ Drain Valve on Top
Some tanks have the drain valve on top of the tank instead of on the side near the bottom. If this is the
case, the supplied dip tube cannot be installed.
For connecting to a water tank with the drain valve located on the top of the tank, the following
installation method is recommended:

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Alternate Installation of the Geyser-RO
Some water tanks have the cold water inlet and drain valve on the same line near the bottom on the
side of the tank. In this case, the supplied dip tube assembly can be used, but must be modified. You
will need to provide an additional brass “tee” to put in between the drain valve and the Geyser-RO
outlet on the original dip tube assembly.
For connecting to a tank with the cold water inlet and drain valve on the same line, the following
installation method is recommended: