Hot water is something we all take for granted. We use it in our kitchens, bathrooms and laundry, and we all need it to wash our clothes. However, have you ever thought about how your hot water system works? How it heats up your water and then delivers it to your taps all year round?
The hot water system in your home or business is actually quite a complex piece of engineering. The systems can either be “storage” or a “continuous flow”. A storage hot water system heats and holds a supply of hot water in its tank until it is needed, at which point it flows out of the tap at an appropriate temperature for human contact. A continuous hot water system swiftly heats up an unlimited amount of water on demand, so it doesn’t waste energy by keeping the water warm when not in use.
Both systems have benefits, however, the continuous flow system is much more efficient and environmentally friendly. It uses less energy than a storage system, which in turn reduces your electricity bill. The continuous system also has the advantage of not using stored water, which means that when you turn on a tap, your hot water is instantly ready to use.
An electric storage system may be gas or electric, and it operates by sending cold water through an element (or sometimes two elements depending on the size of your tank). This heats the water to the required temperature, which must be above 60oC so Legionella bacteria can’t grow.
Most people will have a large electric tank in their home, which has a thermostat that controls the heating process. A small percentage of these tanks are insulated to help keep the hot water at the correct temperature, and to reduce electricity consumption. It is important to ensure your hot water system is insulated, especially the pipe from the tank to the pressure relief valve on the back of the unit. You should also ensure all externally exposed pipes are adequately insulated to prevent heat loss.
If your hot water system uses natural gas, it can save you money compared to an electric cylinder. A gas system is also a better choice for a new build or renovation, as it can be connected directly to the gas main.
Unlike an electric heater, the gas system will work in a power outage. Whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor gas system, it will require a larger gas supply pipe than an electric model. You should discuss your options with a gas specialist.
source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2024/11/02/how-hot-water-systems-work/
No comments:
Post a Comment