How A Water Heater Works

Do you ever take a hot shower and wonder how the water gets so hot? Well, wonder no more. In this blog post, we will discuss how a water heater works.

We will go over the different components of a water heater and explain how they work together to heat your water.

So, whether you are just curious about water heaters or are in the market for a new one, read on for all the details.

What is a Water Heater?

A water heater is a device that heats water to a desired temperature so it can be used for bathing, dishwashing, and other household tasks.

The two most common types of water heaters are electric and gas-fired models. Both work by using energy to heat the water within the tank.

How Does a Water Heater Work?

An electric water heater works by heating an element inside the tank with an electrical current. This element then transfers its heat to the water surrounding it, increasing the temperature of the water until it reaches your desired setting.

Gas-fired models use natural gas or propane (LP) fuel to heat the burner in the bottom of the tank.

The burner creates hot combustion gasses that transfer their heat to the water in the tank, increasing its temperature until it reaches your desired setting.

Finally, both types of water heaters also contain a thermostat that helps regulate the temperature of the water by turning it on and off as needed to maintain your desired setting.

What are the Different Components of a Water Heater?

The components of a water heater include the tank, the heating element (electric models only), the burner (gas models only), and the thermostat.

The tank is where all the action happens – this is where the water is stored and heated before being used. The size of your water heater will determine how much hot water it can produce at once.

The heating element in electric models heats up with an electrical current, while gas-fired models use a burner to heat combustion gasses which transfer their heat to the water in the tank.

Finally, all models have a thermostat that regulates when and how long your water heater remains on or off to maintain your desired temperature setting.

What are the Different Types of Water Heaters?

The two main types of water heaters are traditional storage tank models and tankless (or on-demand) systems.

Traditional storage tank models come in both electric and gas-fired varieties and feature an insulated storage tank that holds anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water at a time.

Tankless (or on-demand) systems, on the other hand, do not have a storage tank but instead, heat the water as it passes through the system.

This type of system is often more energy efficient since it does not need to constantly reheat stored hot water.

How Can I Choose the Right Water Heater?

Choosing the right water heater for your home can depend on several factors including size, fuel type, and efficiency.

If you have a larger household or need more hot water than usual, then you may want to consider a larger model that can heat more water at once.

In addition, if you’re looking for an energy-efficient solution, then tankless systems are typically the best choice as they do not require energy to reheat stored hot water like traditional models do.

Finally, your fuel source will also determine which type of water heater is right for you since some areas may provide better rates on certain types of fuel.

What Happens When Your Water Heater Breaks?

If your water heater stops working, then it’s important to determine what the cause of the problem may be. If your unit is older or has experienced a lot of wear and tear, then it may be time to replace it with a new model.

However, if the issue is related to something as simple as a faulty thermostat, you may need an expert to come in and make repairs before it can continue functioning properly.

No matter what the issue is, make sure that you call a qualified service technician for help to ensure that your water heater is safe and functioning at its best.

Contact Access Heating & Air Conditioning for Water Heater Maintenance

At Access Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a wide range of services related to water heater maintenance and installation.

Whether you’re looking for repairs on your existing unit or need help installing a new one, our experienced technicians are here to help. Contact us today for more information.