Electric Heating Systems

Gas hot water heaters have been heating the water for many businesses and households for many years. In fact when people turn on their hot water faucet to shave, shower, wash dishes, wash clothes or wash their hands, it is safe to say that not many individuals think of their gas hot water heater.

However, if that flow of hot water stopped it would be a different story. This is because having hot water is a convenience that not many people think about until it is no longer available.

Therefore, it may prove beneficial to have a little knowledge regarding a gas hot water heater. Specifically, how a gas hot water heater works and what are some things that could go wrong to make this type of heater inoperable.

How A Gas Hot Water Heater Works

A gas hot water heater is a modern day appliance that quietly functions in some remote place within the building. Specifically, the holding tank for the water comes in different sizes. Some of those different sizes could include a 10, 20, 30 or 40 gallon hot water tank. The tank is connected to two water lines. The one line leads into the tank and allows the flow of water. The other pipe leads away from the tank and carries the hot water throughout the facility.

In addition, this type of tank utilizes natural gas as the main energy source to heat up the water in the tank. The temperature of the hot water is controlled by a thermostat. When the water in the tank falls below the setting of the thermostat, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas burner to engage. This process then heats up the water in the tank until that temperature setting is reached. Once the temperature setting is reached the thermostat then sends another electrical signal to deactivate the gas burner.

When there is a demand for hot water within the facility the water then flows from the outgoing pipe to where the hot water is required. Once there is an outflow of hot water from the tank there's a corresponding flow of new water into the tank which then repeats the thermostat process of heating up the water to the required temperature.

Things That Could Go Wrong

As with any modern day convenience, there are a number of things that can go wrong with the natural gas water heater. One of the primary things that can cause a disruption in the hot water service is for the thermostat to malfunction.

Another item that could go wrong, but is less costly concerns the pilot light. The pilot light is that particular part of the natural gas water heater that constantly is aflame. Once the thermostat signals to the heating unit that the water needs to be heated the gas then begins to flow and the flame ignites the gas that flows throughout the burner system. Therefore, one of the less costlier things that can happen to stop the flow of hot water is for the pilot light to go out.

Generally, for the most part today, having running water in the home is a convenience that many take for granted. In addition, having hot water is also something that is taken for granted unless something happens mechanically and we need to call a plumber.

If we were to think of all the everyday occurrences when hot water came out of the faucet we might appreciate this convenience a bit more. Examples of when this occurs are our daily shower, washing our hands, doing the dishes, cleaning clothes, etc.

In addition, there are many methods by which water can be heated. Our water can be heated through an electric water heater, solar power and by using a gas water heater.

Utilizing a gas water heater has been a choice of many households for a number of reasons. Therefore, if considering this method of water heating it is important to understand how a gas water heater works and its benefits.

How A Gas Water Heater Works

A gas water heater is a combination of gas and electrical appliance that heats up water within a home or business so that the individuals within that facility can have access to hot water. Basically, there are two types of water heaters. One is a gas water heater while the other one is an electric water heater.

The basic difference between the two is that one of the units, the electric water heater, utilizes heating elements within the tank to heat up the water that is within the tank. With the gas water heater the water within the tank is heated through a gas burner located at the bottom of the unit.

Basically the water enters the units through a separate tube. The heating of the water is regulated by a separate device mounted on the water heater. That separate device is called a thermostat. When the thermostat is set to a certain temperature and the water within the tank falls below that temperature, the thermostat sends a signal to the heating unit calling for activation. This activation then heats up the water to that temperature and the hot water is then ready to be used. The flow of the hot water is accomplished through the hot water pipes within the facility.

Benefits

It can be argued that the gas hot water heater is better than the electric water heater and vice versa. Generally, this argument is based on the costs associated with heating water and passing those costs on to the consumer. Frequently, the costs are associated with the energy system that is utilized.

For example with the gas hot water heater the energy source is a combination of gas and electricity. Whereas, the electric water heater utilizes electricity as its energy source. Therefore, depending upon which geographical location the household or business is located would determine the cost factors associated with utilization of electricity or gas.

Electric Heating Elements make the industrial world Hot.