Electric Water Heaters
An Electric water heater is a very convenient device to heat the water for various domestic needs like taking showers, washing clothes and doing many kitchen chores. Electric water heaters are available with tank or without tank.
Some of the important features of an electric water heater are:
TPR Valve
Electric water heaters have TRP or temperature and pressure relief valve. It is a kind of safety device that releases the pressure if the steam pressure and the temperature reach the dangerous limits.
Thermostat
A thermostat is a device that senses the drop in temperature below a certain set limit and causes the electric heating elements to come on. When the heater reaches the set temperature limit, the thermostat shuts off the elements. Usually the top and bottom elements have their own thermostat and are so wired that only one element comes on at a time.
High Limit Switch
When the temperature of the water goes too high, the electricity supply is tripped due to the circuit breaker. The high limit switch is located at the top thermostat and usually has a red button. The high limit switch has to be manually reset by pushing the red button in order to reactivate it.
Anode
Anode is usually magnesium or aluminum rod that protects the water heater tanks from being corroded as the process of electrolysis eats away the anode instead of the tank. If the anode gets completely corroded, the tank itself begins to corrode. It is, therefore, advisable to check the anode periodically and replace it before the tank is damaged.
Drain Valve
A drain valve periodically drains the sediment out of the tank. In the high mineral areas, it is desirable to drain at least 5 gallons from the drain every six months to prevent the sediment accretion.
General Electric Gas Water Heater
General Electric gas water heaters are very safe, energy efficient and do not require much maintenance. They are equipped with sensor that detects the gasoline properly, or, use other inflammable materials near the water heater. The GE water heaters are very easy to operate as well. They are fitted with special filters that do not need to be cleaned, serviced or replaced. The freedom from the filter maintenance saves the consumers a lot of money, energy and time. They do not accumulate the lint, dust and oil. They are energy efficient and the water heating costs are lower. They are environment friendly because of their low emissions. They are provided with a simple push button pilot light ignition. They come with six, nine and twelve years warrantees.
