Hot water heaters are certainly a staple in any household. They are used for bathing, cooking, cleaning and in many instances, general heat for a home. The heat of the water directly correlates with the consumption rate of the hot water. The more water used, the cooler it becomes. Hot water heaters, in many countries, are powered by the use of fossil fuels. More environmentally conscious heaters will be partially powered by alternative energy, such as solar or geothermal heating. These are commonly used to back up systems supplied by gas or electricity. In volcanic areas of the world, geothermal heating can be used instead of combustion.

Hot water heaters use a thermodynamic process that uses an energy source to raise the water’s temperature. Traditionally, water heating vessels known as kettles, pots, cauldrons or coppers, deliver a large supply of hot water. However, these vessels do not supply a continuous flow of hot water. These types of hot water heaters are most commonly found in residential homes.

There are many types of hot water heaters available. The gravity system is where a space heating water broiler is located on the roof of a building. The gravity of the water produces an adequate flow using little energy. Then there is the tankless water heater, also known as the on-demand water heater. These great machines supply a continuous flow of hot water with the added plus of low energy cost. No leftover water is wasted in these types of hot water heaters. On-demand heaters are common where hot water space heating is combined with domestic needs of hot water. This allows one machine to do the job of two. Tankless water heaters conveniently provide water that is almost instantly hot.

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Another popular system in buildings with higher flow rates is the storage system. These hot water heaters heat water in a vessel that can withstand hydrostatic pressure. In most cases a pressure reducing valve is used with this system to keep things safe. In North America, these systems are called hot water tanks. These hot water heaters are powered most commonly by a gas or oil burner.

When talking about hot water heaters, the more insulation the better. The insulation available is rated on a scale ranging from R-6 to R-24. A jacket may be added to a poorly-insulated water heater to reduce heat loss. Modern hot water heaters are insulated with polyurethane foam (PUF). PUF capsules are kept between the outer body and the inner tank. In very humid locations, excess insulation can cause rusting or mold. In these areas, it is not necessary to use jackets for hot water heaters.

Appropriate safety devices are a must-have for use with all water heaters. A temperature and pressure relief valve is used to dump water if the temperature becomes too high. A discharge pipe is required to be connected to the valve to run the excess hot water to a drain. If a hot water heater is powered by propane or gas, it should be installed at least 18 inches off the ground. Being scalded is a serious concern when dealing with hot water. Remember to always take caution to avoid being burned.

Hot Water Heaters

Kurt Zier – About the Author:

Kurt Zier writes about home improvement and do-it-yourself projects for The Home Depot. He focuses on purchase decision considerations, extended protection programs, repairs, and types of services available in the marketplace. He also offers insights into product and service features and benefits. Hot Water Heaters

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/the-basics-of-hot-water-heaters-4608559.html

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