What is a water heater thermostat?
A water heater thermostat is a device that sits on top of your water heater and regulates the water temperature. Most water heaters have two main points to control water temperature. One is the pilot light, and the other is a water heater thermostat. The water heating element keeps the water in the tank hot, while the water heater thermostat turns off and on to keep it from getting too hot.
Why are water heater thermostats important?
Water heating consumes more energy than almost any other activity in your house. Your water heater thermostat helps regulate how much energy you use for this process by having a predetermined amount of power necessary to get your water to a certain temperature. If you have a water heater thermostat that is not calibrated correctly, your water heater may use more or less energy than necessary to heat water, costing you more money in the long run. In addition, water that is heated too quickly can cause damage to your water heater and its components. A water heater thermostat ensures that your water is heated at a safe and efficient rate.
How do water heater thermostats work?
The workings of a water heater thermostat are actually pretty simple. The thermostat has a small metal probe that hangs down into the tank of water. When the water reaches the desired temperature, the probe sends an electric signal to the thermostat, which then turns off the heating element. This process repeats until the water is no longer being heated, at which point the thermostat turns the heating element back on to start the process again.
If you are in need of a water heater thermostat replacement, or if you are just curious about how your water heater thermostat works, be sure to call a plumbing professional for assistance. They will be able to help you calibrate your water heater thermostat to ensure that your water heater is running at its most efficiently.
