A water heater is exactly what it sounds like. It is a system that heats water continually whether or not you are using hot or cold water. Cold water enters the tank once the hot water is turned off. Once the thermostat senses that the water temperature has dropped below a certain level, it automatically starts the heating process. This process is not very energy efficient because the heating then cooling and reheating of the water heater tank wastes energy. So if you know that you are going to be away for a long period of time it would be smart to turn down the thermostat of your water heater.
Gas or Electric?
Electric and gas water heaters are equally common. Electric water heaters require that the combustion gases always need to be ventilated. Electric systems are also more expensive to operate and do not heat cold water as well as gas water heaters.
Operation
The water heater is directly connected to the cold water supply line, usually on top of the system. A tube transfers the cold water down to the bottom of the water heater, and the hot water line takes the hot water off the top of the tank. Once most of the hot water has been used will you begin to get the mix of the hot and cold water.
Water pressure from the supply line pushes water out of the heater and refills the tank with cold water, when you open the hot water tap. Because the cold water enters the tank the thermostat senses the decreasing temperature and the heating mechanism automatically begins. Water heaters have a pressure and temperature relief valve which allows water to escape if the temperature of pressure exceeds the tanks limit. Water heater tanks operate at 150 psi. The pressure relief valve releases water once the pressure exceeds 150 psi. The temperature relief valve will release water when the water temperature exceeds 210 degrees Fahrenheit. The valves should have pipes that safely transfer the water without exposing people to the hot water.
Gas In a gas heater the thermostat is inside the tank. When the temperature decreases, the thermostat signals the gas control valve to supply gas to the burner to heat the water. Before the gas is allowed to flow, the thermocouple must make sure the pilot light is lit to prevent a dangerous gas leak from occurring.
Gas water heaters always need to be ventilated. Outdoors is the safest place. Toxic carbon and monoxide are the result of the systems combustion of natural gases. Inside the tank there is a device that carriers the toxic fumes out the top of the tank. The ventilation is very important in releasing these dangerous and toxic fumes. Electric
In an electric water heater the thermostats operate mechanically like a switch. When the temperature rises it expands and stops the current from flowing to the heating components in the water heater. Which allows the hot water to be cooled. Electric water heaters have two heating components, the upper and lower. These units are created to operate independently.
No comments:
Post a Comment