Editorial Product Review:Item Description:AirTap, converts air energy to heat and plugs directly into any 30-80 gallon water tank. This technology results in 250% improved efficiency and 60%-80% energy savings. In addition to these benefits, AirTap releases cool air which can be ducted using AirVent (our duct kit) into a household or outside and also acts as a dehumidifier.
Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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It's still new, and I sure do like it.
Our A7 has only been installed for 3 weeks, so this will be more about the shipping and installation than the operation of the unit. However, I should note that it has operated flawlessly thus far.
The unit shipped from Houston and arrived just a few days after I ordered it, well boxed with everything required for installation (except a few hand tools) included. There was no communication from the vendor, so it was a surprise when it arrived a full day before it was even scheduled to be shipped.
There is a video showing the installation procedure on the vendor's website that demonstrates just how easy it is to install. The same setup information is included in a booklet with the unit. The A7 was installed and working within an hour and a half of unboxing it. Just listen to the guy in the video, and make sure you have someone to help with the one heavy lift. The only additonal step I included in the procedure was to install a 6" long cold water inlet pipe to support the second bracket securely.
I didn't buy the cold air exhaust hood from the vendor, instead I opted to buy a "straight register boot" and a "90 degree register boot" (both standard galvanized ductwork fittings from the local home center) and a section of 6" round flexible duct pipe to connect the boots. The largest boots I could find locally were 14" X 4", so I clipped and spread the ends of the straight boot to accommodate the length of the cold air exhaust louvers (16"). The 90 boot fits into the wall near the ceiling, with a register on the other side of the wall to direct the cold air exhaust into our kitchen. It works great here in Texas, where dehydrated, cold air is useful almost year around. In the winter, I'll duct the cold air into the attic.
I had to insulate the cold air outlet section of the unit cabinet to keep it from "sweating" condensed water because the outlet air plenum is so cold. I used some thin rolled insulation that is essentially bubble wrap sandwiched in between two sheets of aluminum foil. It's held it in place with double sided, waterproof, exterior carpet tape. It works great, and no more condensation. I spent about $50 in additional installation material. Most of that went for the ductwork to direct the cold air into the adjoining room and the roll of insulation.
I bought this unit to cut down (substantially, according to the vendor) on our electic hot water cost. It is advertised as 2 1/2 times as efficient as the immersion resistance coils that come with all electric hot water heaters. The "free" air conditioning bonus is a real plus, especially if you live in the South or West. The unit is basically a modified window air conditioner, so you can expect about the same amount of cold air and noise (50db claimed) as a small window A/C unit. It's about as noisy as a clothes dryer. It has run once or twice a day for around an hour each time, depending on our hot water usage. I've cut the main power to the electric resistance coil elements in the water heater, and the A7 keeps up with 130 degree water usage just fine. Of course, if there is any need for them I can flip a breaker and restore the immersion coils into service.
2008 is the last scheduled year to get a $300 federal tax credit for this unit, which substantilly reduces the net cost. Some states and local power companies offer additonal incentives.AirTap A7
