A7 Product FAQs
These are the most frequently asked questions about AirTap™.
1. What is AirTap™?
The AirTap™ is an adaptable heat pump that attaches onto your current water heater, whether it is gas or electric.
2. What does the AirTap™ unit do?
Once the unit is attached to your water heater, it takes the place of the gas or electric heat source, using ambient air to heat the water inside the water tank.
3. How does it work?
The AirTap™ uses a patent pending method that reverses refrigeration technology to heat water. This patent pending application of heat pump technology uses energy extracted from ambient air to heat water.
4. Why is this technology better than electric or gas heating?
The AirTap's technology enables users to save up to 60% or $500 a year in energy consumption for a typical home. By converting 'air energy' to heat, this technology allows users to take advantage of free energy derived from air. In addition, AirTap's technology allows for a device that is easy and inexpensive to install, operate, and maintain.
5. Why is AirTap™ better than a solar water hater?
Initial costs for the AirTap™ water heater add-on are about one-fifth that of a solar water heater. Installing the AirTap™ is inexpensive and requires 1-2 hours for 1 person, while installing a solar water heater requires several days of intense labor. In addition, energy consumption and environmental benefits of the AirTap™ are the same as a solar water heater.
6. Why is AirTap™ better than a tankless/instant water heater?
Initial costs for the AirTap™ water heater add-on are one-third that of a tank less/instant water heater. In addition to initial costs, tankless heaters are more expensive to maintain, and consume three times more energy. The potential for electric overloads caused by tank less water heaters often force owners to make expensive investments to electric panels. While consumers typically buy tankless systems for itheir ability to provide unlimited hot water, the AirTap™ can do the same for a fraction of the cost and energy.
7. How much pollution will it avoid?
A typical family using the AirTap™ will prevent an estimated 1,500 lbs. of pollutants (CO2, CO, NOx, SOx & others) every year when compared to the same family using a normal electric or gas water heater.
8. How does the AirTap™ connect to an existing gas or electric water heater?
The AirTap™ plugs in directly to any existing gas or electric water heater. The device mounts above an existing tank using mounting brackets, which are provided with the unit. Simply connect the AirTap™ to the water tank and switch off the electric or gas supply. A user's manual, provided with each AirTap™ unit, goes through a step-by-step procedure, which should be followed for proper and safe installation.
9. What size tank can I attach the AirTap™ unit to?
While the AirTap™ connects to tanks that hold up to 70 gallons of water, each household should determine its hot water requirements.
10. What if I have propane or indirect heating with the boiler?
AirTap™ needs a ¾” port (nipple) in the water heater. The port should be on top or on the side of the unit.
11. What type of power supply does the AirTap™ use?
The AirTap™ requires a standard 110V, 60Hz outlet. The device draws a steady 7 amps during operation, about the same amount that a coffee machine uses.
12. Can AirTap™ be placed outdoors?
No, the unit needs to be indoors with a space minimum of 5 ft X 5 ft X 12 ft. If using the AirTap™ in a space greater than 1,000 cubic feet, the system should function without any extra ventilation. In other cases, the system may require an additional vent adaptor, which can be purchased from AirGenerate™.
13.What is the size and weight of the AirTap™ unit?
The AirTap™ weighs about 50 lbs. and its maximum dimensions are 17"W x 15"D x 12"H. It’s about the size of a small microwave.
14. How much noise does the unit make? What is the Sone reading?
Not very much noise at all! Its noise level is about the same amount as a small window air conditioning unit, and is 60 DB in the Sone reading.
15. How far away can you install the AirTap™ unit?
The distance between the hot water port and the AirTap™ unit must be less than 18”. If the unit is on its side, then it must be on a stool or supported surface.
16. How can I use the cold air? (the cold air bi-product)? How far can I stretch the duct?
We are in the process of developing a duct kit adapter (AirVent), and will begin shipping the AirVent™ by end of August 2008. AirVent™ is attached to the AirTap™ top with screws. You can stretch the duct to 6 ft. The duct opening is 6" inside diameter and outer diameter is 7".The duct kit is good for apartment where AirTap™'s cool air can be ducted out in winter or used in home during summer. In a small closet, the duct kit is highly recommended.! One can add additional duct to go beyond 6 ft of length by using duct-fan to enhace the flow. The fan can draw the power from AirTap's plug located in the back cover.
17. Does it work 24 hrs?
No, it should be used in the morning and it stays heated for 3-5 hrs. It stays on all the time and when the temperature reaches 130 degrees, it stops heating the water, although the unit is still running.
18. Can we still get the tax credit of $399?
At this time the tax credit is not being offered.
19. What is the Warranty of the AirTap™ unit?
The standard one-year warranty covers all parts and labor. In addition, a two-year warranty covers the costs of any defective parts, but owners are responsible for the cost of labor, transportation, and freight.
20. Is maintaining the AirTap™ unit expensive?
The system requires minimum maintenance. Owners should rinse the filter thoroughly with water once a year. Also, to prolong the life of the AirTap™ and the hot water heater, owners should follow their water heater manufacturer's maintenance instructions (including changing anode
rods in the water tank, flushing the storage tank periodically, etc).
21. How much are the yearly savings?
Customers should expect to save an average of $300 a year in energy consumption. Customers can expect to save up to $5,000 over the life of the AirTap™ water heater add-on. Your savings will depend on your local energy rates.
22. What is the payback period of the AirTap™?
The payback period varies between 1-2 years of use, with an average of about 1.5 years.
23. Is the AirTap™ unit safe?
AirTap™ devices go through rigorous testing both within AirGenerate™ and outside. It operates on less wattage than a coffee maker. The water heater plugs into any standard electrical plug. We recommend regular safety precautions, as with most electrical appliances.
24. Will the AirTap™ work in all climates?
Yes, the AirTap™ works in both summer and winter climates. However, the AirTap™ offers the greatest cost benefit when ambient temperatures are greater than 50° F.
25. How long will the AirTap™ unit last?
The life of the AirTap™ is expected to be ten years.
26. How long does it take to install the AirTap™?
Experienced DIYers and plumbers should take no more than 1 hour to install an AirTap™ unit. The device can be installed by one person. Having two persons present can simplify the installation process.
27. What do I do if the system does not work?
After switching off the existing gas or electric water heater and installing the AirTap™ system, customers should expect a hassle free supply of hot water. However, in the unlikely case of any problems, owners can get help from AirGenerate™ by visiting our Technical Support page.
28. How much hot water will I have?
The AirTap™ water heater add-on is usable with tanks that hold between 30 and 80 gallons of water. The recovery rate (starting from a tankful of hot water) is 43 gallons the first hour and then 33 gph thereafter.