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Keys to a Successful EXR Installation

Read this through to avoid any potential pitfalls...

Before you go to the Jobsite
At the Jobsite
  • Attics & basements? Yep, totally fine. Please, just don’t use water heater handler or flexes to drag it around by the water connections. We have brass fittings, but they’re not welded onto a steel frame, so you could damage something.
  • Recirculation? Yes, absolutely. Any timer will work & many pumps have one built-in.  Put the unit in "Recirc Mode". See the manual for details, tips & tricks about the recirculation system - https://essencyhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/N09040000-Essency-EXR-Operation-Manual-rev.B2.pdf
    • Follow pump manufacturer’s guidelines. Cold side with tee and check valve, control pump with timer and/or aqua stat so it’s only running when hot water is typically needed, morning and night, saves water, energy, lifespan of heater and plumbing system. The key is on/off cycles.  Most residential applications use hot water from 5:30-8:30am and 5:30 - 8:30pm, or something close to that.  If the heater isn't in Recirc Mode, 2 hours of pump runtime will give you a 231 alarm.  Heater still works, but might be a nuisance, so put in Recirc Mode to avoid it.
    • Updated software has Recirc Mode in the Options Menu - toggle it on.
  • Hot & Cold Water Connections: Use a backend wrench or you might loosen or crack something inside – water flow sensor, etc...
  • Wiring: Use 10-gauge copper wire (solid, stranded, or fine stranded all okay) and strain relief. Unscrew the steel bracket if that makes it easier for you. There should be no tension on the wires – make sure they go in straight to the connector. Okay to re-use the existing wire if the specs are correct – just clip & re-strip to ½” so you have clean wire. Give wires a quick gentle tug to be sure you’ve made a good connection under the orange lever – the wires should bottom out at the back of the connector while you close the lever.  There should be no exposed copper outside of the connector!  See the manual and this article for more detail: https://learn.essencyhome.com/how-do-i-wire-this-thing
  • Connect the battery: It’s behind the bottom compartment, 4 screws.
  • Auto-fill Process: Should take roughly 20 mins at standard house pressure. Small amount of splashing is normal
  • While it’s filling, register warranty & the owner will get the 20-year tank warranty.
  • Heating takes a couple hours, while you’re packing up for the next job, take a photo of yourself and post it on social media, “#AnotherGorgeousEssency” be sure your company logo is in the shot. We will promote you and your company as much as possible.
  • Update software: In the Settings Menu, behind the “multi-function” button (bottom right-hand corner of the heater’s touchscreen… "SEt"-->"UPd"-->Confirm (white circle button in middle of touchscreen)…
  • Still having trouble? Call 888-229-6285
  • Walk the owner through app download and pairing, you’ll scan the QR code and app walks you through it, so easy! You’ll get hot water without it, but this is how the owners gets the best experience and automatic software updates. Being connected also helps with future troubleshooting diagnostics and developing software enhancements.
  • Tell homeowner what to expect with recirc, assist with connection, warranty reg.
After Your Installation