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Stainless-steel side-arm heat exchanger shown diagonally with its connection ports.

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Side-Arm Heat Exchanger for Water Heater, Stainless Steel, Select Model

Model / Configuration
25 in — 3/4 in DHW × 1 in system
$209

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Product details

Choose a stainless-steel Side-Arm Heat Exchanger for your boiler-fed domestic hot water system. These water-to-water units transfer heat from a boiler or hydronic loop to a storage water heater while keeping the two water circuits separate. Their fin-enhanced tube design supports heat transfer, and natural thermosiphon circulation can move water without a dedicated circulator pump in compatible installations.

Select from five models with listed capacities from 13,500 to 23,000 BTU/hr. Options vary by length, recommended tank size, wall construction on designated models, and plumbing connections. Compare the selected variation specifications before ordering. This side arm heat exchanger water heater range is intended for compatible systems using a boiler, outdoor wood furnace, or solar hot-water source.

Choose a model

  • FES-70: 25 inches, 13,500 BTU/hr, recommended for 27-gallon tanks.
  • FES-95: 33 inches, 19,000 BTU/hr, recommended for 40-gallon tanks.
  • FES-115: 38-inch single-wall model, 23,000 BTU/hr, recommended for 60-gallon tanks.
  • FES115DW: 38-inch double-wall model, 18,500 BTU/hr, recommended for 40-gallon tanks.
  • FES-115-3/4: 38 inches, 23,000 BTU/hr, with 3/4-inch DHW and system connections.

Use the variation selector to choose the side arm hot water heat exchanger that matches your tank size and plumbing. Confirm all connection sizes and system requirements before installation.

Installation overview

For side arm heat exchanger installation, the unit is typically mounted vertically beside the storage tank to support natural thermosiphon circulation. Connection sizes vary by model. Follow the selected model manufacturer instructions and applicable plumbing codes, and use a qualified installer where required.

FES-70 — 25 in

Model
FES-70
Length
25 in
Capacity
13500 BTU/hr
Recommended tank size
27 gal
DHW connection
3/4 in NPT
System connection
1 in NPT
Dimensions
25 × 2 in
Heat-transfer area
2.35 sq ft
Center-to-center distance
20.28 in
Listed heat recovery
3.2 hours
Weight
4.1 lb
Warranty
1.5 years against manufacturer's defectsPer source product page
Wall construction
—

FES-95 — 33.1 in

Model
FES-95
Length
33.1 in
Capacity
19000 BTU/hr
Recommended tank size
40 gal
DHW connection
3/4 in FPT
System connection
1 in FPT
Dimensions
33.1 × 2 in
Heat-transfer area
3.16 sq ft
Center-to-center distance
28.3 in
Listed heat recovery
3.4 hours
Weight
5.8 lb
Warranty
1.5 years against manufacturer's defectsPer source product page
Wall construction
—

FES-115 — 38.4 in

Model
FES-115
Length
38.4 in
Capacity
23000 BTU/hr
Recommended tank size
60 gal
DHW connection
3/4 in FPT
System connection
1 in FPT
Dimensions
38.4 × 2 in
Heat-transfer area
3.62 sq ft
Center-to-center distance
33.7 in
Listed heat recovery
3.8 hours
Weight
6.3 lb
Warranty
1 year against manufacturer's defectsPer source product page
Wall construction
Single wall

FES115DW — 38.4 in

Model
FES115DW
Length
38.4 in
Capacity
18500 BTU/hr
Recommended tank size
40 gal
DHW connection
3/4 in FPT
System connection
1 in FPT
Dimensions
38.4 × 2 in
Heat-transfer area
3.62 sq ft
Center-to-center distance
33.7 in
Listed heat recovery
3.8 hours
Weight
7.3 lb
Warranty
1.5 years against manufacturer's defectsPer source product page
Wall construction
Double wall

FES-115-3/4 — 38.4 in

Model
FES-115-3/4
Length
38.4 in
Capacity
23000 BTU/hr
Recommended tank size
60 gal
DHW connection
3/4 in FPT
System connection
3/4 in FPT
Dimensions
38.4 × 2 in
Heat-transfer area
3.62 sq ft
Center-to-center distance
33.7 in
Listed heat recovery
3.8 hours
Weight
6.3 lb
Warranty
1.5 years against manufacturer's defectsPer source product page
Wall construction
—

Applies to all models

Product type
Water-to-water side-arm heat exchanger
Material
304 stainless steel
Design pressure
150 psi
Test pressure
225 psi
Operating temperature range
18°F to 406°FAs listed on product pages
Certification
UL listedAs listed on product pages

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What does a side-arm heat exchanger do?

It transfers heat from a boiler or hydronic loop to domestic hot water in a storage tank while keeping the two water circuits separate.

How do I choose a model?

Choose by tank size, heating capacity, wall construction needs, and DHW and system connection sizes. Compare the selected variation specifications and confirm compatibility with your system.

How to install a side arm heat exchanger?

The unit is typically mounted vertically beside the storage tank to support natural thermosiphon circulation. Connection sizes vary by model. Follow the manufacturer instructions and local plumbing codes, and use a qualified installer where required.

Does it mix boiler water with domestic hot water?

No. Heat transfers between separate water circuits without mixing the fluids.

Installation help and contact

Need an installer?We made it easy for you.

Listed installers are independent contractors, not MBTEK employees. They're skilled professionals familiar with our products and capable of efficient installation.

Any questions?Reach out to us.

Our team can help with product questions, sizing guidance, and next steps.