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Millivolt
vs.
Electronic
What's the difference between Millivolt Heaters and Electronic Heaters?
Electronic Heaters have a pilot that lights only when needed. Similar to a modern gas
stove, a small, electronic spark ignites the pilot when you turn the gas on. The pilot
shuts itself off after the burners are lit. Millivolt Heaters have a Standing Pilot. This
means that a pilot burns all the time, like older gas kitchen stoves. Having a Standing
Pilot (Millivolt Heaters) obviously wastes a small amount of gas. It can also attract
bugs, rodents and snakes seeking out the warmth it produces. Electronic heaters are
micro-processor controlled. Circuit boards, similar to those found in modern
PC's are used to control and analyze the
heater functions. This also allows for
LED indicators for temperature and
troubleshooting.
So, Which is Better?
Five to Ten years ago, I would have said
Millivolt. Early electronic models had their
fair share of irritating problems, coupled with my mental block on working on them. I
would profess to love "Mechanical Devices, not Electronic Devices." But now that
my understanding of Electronic Heaters has grown, I would say that they are simple to
install, and easier to troubleshoot than Millivolt Heaters. FOR ME! If you plan to
work on this heater yourself, and you understand Millivolt Heaters, and share my earlier
mental block on electronic circuitry, then your choice is simple. If you plan to have pool
service companies work on it, then I would recommend electronic. In another 10 years, the
knowledge base will switch, and pool techs will be scratching their heads trying to figure
out how to work on these "confusing" Millivolt heaters. It'll be "Old
School" stuff. |
