As 2008 comes to a close we would like to thank you. Thanks to those of you who have inquired about our Bosch tankless water heaters. Thanks to the many of you who have sold, installed, and serviced our products. And thanks to those who have taken the time to offer us feedback and tips on how we can improve our products and services.

Especially, thanks for trusting Astravan to be one of your suppliers. The last couple of years have seen an incredible increase in interest and sales of tankless water heaters. In spite of a few “learning opportunities”, both Bosch and Astravan enter 2009 with a stronger line of products and new ways of supporting your business. We look forward to serving you.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a prosperous 2009.

This is our first issue of Astravan Tech News. The one and only goal of this newsletter is to provide you, the plumbing and heating industry, with information and resources to help you better serve your customers, and hopefully improve your business.

Every month or so you will receive updates on technical and business topics relating to tankless water heaters. These may include building codes & energy efficiency regulations, incentives & financing programs, product applications & case studies, new product announcements, industry & market data, sales & marketing ideas, sizing & design procedures, troubleshooting tips, training courses, Q & A, and more.

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Over the last year, the Bosch Pro 199,000 BTU Tankless 715 and 800 series have been very well received by our contractors and their customers. With some of the highest levels of thermal and energy efficiency in the industry, these units are ideal for those interested in green building, lowering their energy consumption, and saving money on operating costs. Here are a few features and benefits that may be of value to you and your customers.

All 715 and 800 units also provide you with:   Direct vent, room-sealed combustion   Ability to cascade units for increased flow rates   Suitable for recirculating applications   Long life ceramic burners   Available in natural gas (NG) or liquid propane (LP)   15-year warranty   Solar back-up program ProTankless GWH 715 ES   82% thermal efficiency, .82 energy factor   Vents vertically or horizontally with 3" stainless steel (AL29-4C) ProTankless GWH C 800 ES   92% thermal efficiency, .90 energy factor   Condensing heat exchanger for maximum efficiency   Vents vertically or horizontally with 3" PVC   Concentric and twin pipe venting options

In early 2009, Bosch will be introducing their new World 3 series of tankless water heaters, offering even higher thermal and energy efficiency ratings. You can read more about these new products in the next issue of Astravan Tech News.

As part of increasing our support for dealers and installers, Bosch and Astravan are planning to hold dealer schools in February and March. Training sessions will take place in Vancouver, Calgary, and possibly Edmonton as well. More information will be coming your way shortly.

Online videos from Bosch Tankless University cover tankless technology, selecting the right model, getting started, choosing the proper location, venting requirements, water connections, gas piping, commissioning the heater, cascading multiple units, maintenance, and support & additional info. You can view these videos here.

Clayton Farren of Pacific Breeze Heating & Cooling Inc. says, “My experience with Astravan has always been good. You provide excellent support. I like the Bosch products, especially the 800 series. My last unit went in without a hitch.”

You can get financial grants, rebates, and incentives for your customers if you choose high efficiency Bosch hot water heaters.

For customers across Canada, ecoENERGY grants are listed here.

For customers in British Columbia, LiveSmart BC grants are listed here.

Larger commercial and industrial buildings may offer new opportunities for contractors to expand their business. An increasing number of these buildings owners are looking for ways to reduce their energy use and operating costs. Solar air heating, using transpired solar air building panels, can achieve 80% efficiency; reduce costs of heating ventilation air, and lower CO2 emissions. Solarwall has 20 years experience in Canada. Find out more here.

Do you have any questions and/or comments about Bosch products and their applications? Is there anything you would like to see in future Tech News issues? Feel free to contact us in any of the following ways.