Bradford White Corporation

Ryan Ritsema

Michael W Gordon

Eric M Lannes

David Foster

Richard Courtney

Michael Gordon

A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion providing a first pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater. The flue system further includes a downstream heat exchange portion providing a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater and a blower positioned between the upstream heat exchange portion and the downstream heat exchange portion. The blower is configured to urge combustion products from the upstream heat exchange portion to the downstream heat exchange portion.

Condensing water heater

A system and method for configuring a water heater to drain condensate from combustion products is provided. The water heater comprises a water tank, a burner for producing combustion products, a flue extending through an interior of the water tank to receive the combustion products, and an exhaust passageway positioned downstream of the flue and extending outside of the water tank to exhaust the combustion products. The exhaust passageway includes a first portion and a second portion positioned at an elevation above the first portion. A bypass conduit is coupled to the exhaust passageway and positioned to direct condensate in the exhaust passageway from the second portion toward the first portion. A drain port is positioned at or an elevation below the first portion of the exhaust passageway to drain condensate from the exhaust passageway.

Condensation draining system for condensing water heaters

An insulation kit for use with a water heater is provided. The kit includes an insulating cover configured to be wrapped about an exterior surface of the water heater. The insulating cover includes a substantially rectangular body with opposed edges configured to overlap or abut one another when the insulating cover is wrapped about the exterior surface of the water heater and at least one downwardly facing flap configured to provide selective access to the water heater. The kit further includes a fastener packaged with the insulating cover and configured for fixing the opposed edges together, thereby securing the insulating cover adjacent the exterior surface of the water heater.

Insulation kit for use with a water heater

An article configured to distribute foam insulation between a water tank and an outer shell of a water heater is provided. The article comprises a body portion configured to extend between the water tank and the outer shell of the water heater. The body portion at least partially defines a flow passage for foam insulation. Opposed flap portions extend from an end of the body portion. Means are provided on the flap portions for attaching each of the flap portions to the water tank.

Water heater and system for insulating same

A foam dam is provided for use with a water heater having a tank and a jacket together defining an annular region. The foam dam includes a central region having a surface configured to cover a component coupled to the tank. The foam dam also includes a perimeter region extending from the central region. The perimeter region of the foam dam defines a surface to at least substantially traverse the annular region between the tank and jacket of the water heater. The perimeter region is configured to substantially prevent foam insulation from flowing into an area proximate to the component.

Growing community of inventors

Middleville, MI, United States of America

Ryan Ritsema