The water that you are getting in your home comes through a system of pipes, and it’s usually cold or cool, depending on the weather conditions in your area. To have water warm enough to take a hot shower, use your dishwasher or washing machine, you need to install a water heater.
Types of water heaters
| S.No. | Types of water heater | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat Pump Water Heaters | |
| 2 | Tankless Water Heater | |
| 3 | Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater | |
| 4 | Condensing Water Heater | |
| 5 | Solar Powered Water Heater | |
| 6 | Combined Space and Water Heating System | |
| 7 | Water Heating System with a Hydronic Boiler | |
Components of a Water Heater
Electric and gas water heaters have a variety of components in common, like an internal anode rod, the drain valve, the TPR valve, dip tube and pipes and fittings for hot water and overflow/pressure relief. In both water heaters, the internal tank is coiled with insulating material to keep the water hotter longer. Electric water heaters have a discrete thermostat, while the thermostat on gas models is created into the gas control valve. Gas water heaters also have a heat controlling device to avoid overheating, a central, internal flue to vent gas and help circulate heat, and a thermocouple to turn off the gas in case of an emergency.
How Does An Electric Water Heater Work?
In electric water heaters, the thermostat is mounted flush against the side of the internal tank. When the thermostat senses that the internal temperature has moved down below the preset threshold, it triggers a switch or two, in the event of a dual-element system, that allows electricity to flow to the heating element. The heating element is in turn waterlogged in the water of the tank and heats up in the same way that an electric stove burner works, by passing electricity through a resistant material and transferring energy into heat. When the thermostat senses that the water has attained a correct temperature, it turns off the power to the element. With dual elements, they heat the top and bottom portions of the tank alternatively as only one heating element is on at one time.
How Produces a Gas Water Heater Work?
Gas water heaters also have a thermostat, typically a small copper tube with a mercury sensor in the tip. They also have a special sensor called a thermocouple that senses whether the pilot light is turned on or not. If the pilot is out, the thermocouple will not all permit gas to flow to the burner. When the water temperature in the tank reduces, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas control valve, which checks the signal from the thermocouple to make sure that there is a pilot light. If this happens, a valve opens, allowing gas to flow to the burner, igniting a flame. The flame heats the bottom of the tank, making the warmer water rise while cool water sinks, creating a natural circulation cycle. Besides, the internal temperature is kept more stable by heat rising through the central flue as it first rises through the tank and then leaves the home through a ventilation system. When the water temperature reaches a certain setting, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas control valve, instructing it to turn the gas flow off again.
Summing Up
Don’t forget to read the complete specification, online reviews and ratings before investing in a water heater for your home.
