Hi guys,
I've got a wee house just moved into the middle of nowhere in central North Island where it gets coooold in winter. No mains electricty. It's about to be rennovated. Water is to be tank supply from roof.  We intend to have gas hot water (something like the Rinnai Infinity).

The gas heater raises water temp so many degrees at its rated output. I figure if the starting temperature is wamer, then it will be able to hit its rated output better.
That lead me on to thinking about how to get the water temperature warmer. I have a fire that I want to have installed and utilise with its wetback.

The Rinnai installation manual I found online shows a nice digram of a solar system feeding a cylinder, then that heated water goes to a diversion valve where it goes either the taps if hot enough, or via the gas heater then to the taps (with tempering valve).

My question is: Is it possible to pre-heat the cylinder with a wetback, instead of the solar? Then off to the gas califont and/or taps. I can't imagine why not, but I can't find an example of anyone doing it online.

We will of course be getting a plumber in to do all the work, but I'd like to have an opinion as to the feasibility of the system before I go too far.
Thanks


Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/ask-plumbers-public/2/wetback-and-gas-combined/2317/

Thanks for the input, it makes sense that I can. Makes sense to consider solar as a preheat as well. I'll now confidently talk to the local plumbers about what I want to happen! Looks like I can find registered plumbers in the area using this website too- what a great tool.

Have a  great day everybody.

PS Any plumbers in Central North island (Ohakune area) want to give themselves a plug (haha unintended plumbing pun) here & I can contact you to discuss the work?