A water heater is an appliance that heats water for various household tasks like bathing, cleaning, and cooking. The working principle of a water heater involves heating water using electricity or gas. There are two main types of water heaters: tank-type and tankless.
In a tank-type water heater, water is stored in a large tank. The process begins when the thermostat inside the heater detects that the water temperature is lower than the set value. For electric water heaters, a heating element inside the tank is activated. When electricity flows through the element, it heats up, transferring heat to the surrounding water. For gas water heaters, a burner at the bottom of the tank is ignited when the thermostat signals it. The burner heats the water, and the warm water rises to the top of the tank while cooler water enters from the bottom to be heated.
The thermostat controls the temperature of the water, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot. When the water reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat turns off the heating element or burner to prevent overheating.
In a tankless water heater, there is no storage tank. Instead, the water is heated on demand. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water flows through the unit and is heated by electric elements or a gas burner before it exits the faucet. This type of water heater heats water only when needed, making it more energy-efficient since it doesn’t need to keep a large amount of water heated all the time.
In both types, safety features like temperature controls, pressure relief valves, and limit switches are used to ensure safe operation. The basic working principle of a water heater is to transfer heat to the water, making it available for your needs.