Short cycling

[Jsf721]

Can someone explain what this is as it related to a hot water heater and is it bad?

Looking at a AO smith vertex and I keep reading about short cycling.

 

[Shocker]

I am looking to replace my electric tank and what I have read has to do with demand. Apparently with low demand, you see that. It uses more fuel and shortens unit life.

 

[trvshonda]

Short cycling of any type of gas unit will cause condensation. If it never runs long enough to fully heat everything up and burn off all the condesation then you will eventually have rust issues in the unit and vent as well. The unit will also not be as effeiceint on gas since it is always starting and stopping.

 

[Jsf721]

Thanks. How do I ensure enough for peak demand and not mess up the equipment with short cycling?

Short cycling of any type of gas unit will cause condensation. If it never runs long enough to fully heat everything up and burn off all the condesation then you will eventually have rust issues in the unit and vent as well. The unit will also not be as effeiceint on gas since it is always starting and stopping.