AVERA C12L Instant Water Heater User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your AVERA C12L Instant Water Heater. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use, and keep it for future reference. This model is designed for use with LP Gas and provides 12 liters per minute capacity, suitable for approximately 2.5 services.

2. Safety Information

Your safety and the safety of others are paramount. Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

• Installation Location: The water heater must be installed in a covered and well-ventilated area. It is not designed for outdoor installation without proper enclosure.
• Gas Type: Ensure your home's gas supply matches the water heater's gas type (LP Gas). Using the wrong gas type can be extremely dangerous.
• Leak Detection: After connecting gas lines, always check for leaks using a soap and water solution. Bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten connections until no bubbles appear.
• Overheating Protection: The unit is equipped with a flame detector and an over-temperature sensor. It also features a safety block that activates if the water temperature exceeds 70°C to prevent scalding.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the accumulation of combustion gases. Do not obstruct air vents.
• Children: Keep children away from the water heater, especially during operation.

3. Product Features

• Instantaneous Heating: Provides hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
• High Capacity: Delivers 12 liters of hot water per minute, suitable for 2.5 services (e.g., two showers and a sink).
• Energy Efficiency: Consumes gas only when hot water is in use, leading to significant gas savings (up to 80%).
• Automatic Ignition: The unit ignites automatically when a hot water tap is opened and turns off when closed. No pilot light required.
• Adjustable Controls: Features two control knobs for precise adjustment of water temperature and flow.
• LED Display: Digital display shows the current water temperature and battery capacity.
• Safety Mechanisms: Equipped with a copper coil, flame detector, over-temperature sensor, and protection against leaks, overheating, and freezing.
• Durability: Constructed with stainless steel and a copper coil for extended lifespan.
• Compatibility: Can be integrated with solar water heating systems.

Figure 3.1: Key features of the AVERA C12L Instant Water Heater, including its 12 liters/minute capacity, up to 80% gas savings, and 2-year warranty.

Figure 3.2: Detailed view of the control panel and connection points, showing temperature and flow knobs, LED display, gas inlet, hot water outlet, cold water inlet, and battery compartment.

4. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is critical for the safe and efficient operation of your water heater. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified technician.

4.1 Pre-Installation Checks

• Gas Type Verification: Confirm your home's gas supply is LP Gas. This model is specifically designed for LP Gas.
• Location Requirements: Install the unit in a covered, well-ventilated indoor space. Avoid direct exposure to weather elements.
• Water Pressure: For optimal performance, ensure adequate water pressure. The vertical distance between the base of your water tank (tinaco) and the shower head should be a minimum of 2.5 meters. If water pressure is low, consider installing a water pressurizer (e.g., AVERA PR35L).
• Distance to Shower: The maximum distance between the water heater and the shower should be 5 meters to minimize heat loss and ensure quick hot water delivery.

Figure 4.1: Examples of suitable installation environments: a covered exterior and a ventilated interior space.

Figure 4.2: Installation diagram illustrating recommended distances for water tank, water heater, and shower, along with a suggestion for a water pressurizer for low-pressure systems.

4.2 Mounting the Unit

Use a drill to create the necessary holes in the wall. Insert the provided wall anchors (taquetes) and then secure the mounting screws. Hang the water heater vertically on the installed screws, ensuring it is stable and level.

4.3 Connecting Water and Gas Lines

Connect the flexible hoses to the corresponding inlets and outlets on the water heater. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.

• Gas Inlet: Connect the gas supply line to the gas inlet. Use two adjustable wrenches (pericas) to tighten the connections, applying counter-torque to prevent loosening other parts.
• Hot Water Outlet: Connect the hot water line from the heater to your home's hot water system.
• Cold Water Inlet: Connect the cold water supply line to the cold water inlet.

After connecting all lines, slowly open the water supply valves and check for any water leaks. Then, open the gas supply valve. Apply a soap and water solution to the gas connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection until the bubbling stops. Re-apply the solution to confirm no leaks remain.

4.4 Battery Installation

The water heater requires two D-type alkaline batteries (not included) for ignition. Open the battery compartment, insert the batteries according to the polarity markings, close the cover, and turn on the power switch.

5. Operating Instructions

Your AVERA C12L water heater is designed for simple operation. It automatically activates when hot water is demanded.

5.1 Initial Start-up

Once installed and connected, ensure the power switch is ON. The water heater will automatically ignite when you open any hot water tap in your home. The LED display will show the current water temperature.

5.2 Temperature and Flow Adjustment

The unit features two control knobs:

• Temperature Knob: Adjusts the gas flow to the burner, controlling the heat output.
• Water Flow Knob: Regulates the water flow through the heater.

The final hot water temperature depends on the relationship between these two settings and the incoming cold water temperature. A higher water flow generally allows for better heat distribution, while a lower flow with maximum temperature setting will result in hotter water.

Recommended Settings:

• For C12L and C16L models: Set the water flow knob to maximum (Alto) and the temperature knob to approximately one-quarter (Baja).
• Comfort Temperature: A comfortable shower temperature is typically around 36°C (body temperature). However, individual preferences vary. We recommend setting the temperature between 40°C and 55°C for optimal comfort and safety.

Seasonal Settings:

• Winter Mode: Set the water flow knob to minimum (Bajo) and the temperature knob to maximum (Alto). This restricts water flow, allowing it to absorb more heat from the maximum flame, providing hotter water during colder months.
• Summer Mode: Set the water flow knob to maximum (Alto) and the temperature knob to minimum (Bajo). In warmer seasons, the incoming water is already warmer, so maximum flow and minimum temperature often suffice for a comfortable range.

Remember that your home's specific conditions (incoming water temperature, pressure) can affect the final output temperature, so minor adjustments may be necessary.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your water heater.

• Cleaning: Periodically clean the exterior of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Ventilation Check: Ensure that the ventilation openings are clear and unobstructed.
• Gas Connections: Annually inspect gas connections for any signs of wear or leaks.
• Professional Inspection: It is recommended to have a qualified technician inspect the unit annually to ensure all components are functioning correctly and safely.
• Battery Replacement: Replace the D-type alkaline batteries when the LED display indicates low power or if the unit fails to ignite automatically.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your AVERA C12L water heater.

7.1 Common Issues and Solutions

• No Hot Water / Unit Not Igniting:
  • Check if the power switch is ON.
  • Verify that the D-type batteries are correctly installed and have sufficient charge. Replace if necessary.
  • Ensure the gas supply valve is open and there is gas in your tank (for LP Gas).
  • Confirm that water is flowing through the unit when a hot water tap is opened. Low water pressure can prevent ignition.
• Water is Too Hot or Too Cold:
  • Adjust the temperature and water flow knobs according to the desired temperature. Refer to Section 5.2 for recommended settings.
  • Ensure the water pressure is adequate. Very low or very high pressure can affect temperature stability.
  • If the water is excessively hot (above 70°C), the safety block may activate. Adjust the knobs to reduce the temperature.
• Error Code 'EE' Displayed:
  • The 'EE' error code indicates overheating. To resolve this, set the water flow knob to maximum (Alto) and the temperature knob to minimum (Bajo). This allows maximum water flow to cool the unit.
  • This error can also occur due to incorrect knob settings that lead to excessive heat buildup.
• Gas Leak Detected (Bubbles with Soap Solution):
  • Immediately turn off the gas supply.
  • Tighten the loose connection using two adjustable wrenches (pericas) with counter-torque.
  • Re-apply soap solution to confirm the leak is sealed. If the leak persists, contact a qualified technician.

8. Specifications

Figure 8.1: Physical dimensions and weight of the AVERA C12L Instant Water Heater.

Figure 8.2: Comparison table of AVERA instant water heater models, showing flow rates and service capacities.

9. Warranty and Support

Your AVERA C12L Instant Water Heater comes with a 2-year warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions.

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact AVERA customer support. Contact details can typically be found on the product packaging or the official AVERA website.