Yes, a water heater controls the heat of the water it holds.
While the primary function of a water heater is to heat water for use in plumbing systems, it's important to understand how it does this and where it fits in your home's heating system. According to the provided reference, both water heaters and furnaces utilize similar designs when providing heat. However, their purposes are different. Furnaces heat the air in your home, while water heaters heat water.
Here's a breakdown:
- How a water heater controls heat: A water heater contains a thermostat which monitors the water temperature inside the tank. When the water cools below a preset temperature, the heating elements activate to warm the water back up to the desired level.
- Heat application: Water heaters, like furnaces, are built to provide heat. In the case of water heaters, the heat they generate is transferred directly to the water within their tanks.
| Feature | Water Heater | Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Heats water for plumbing systems | Heats air throughout the home |
| Heating Method | Direct heating of water within a tank | Heating of air, which is then circulated |
| Heat Control | Thermostat-controlled within the water tank | Thermostat-controlled for the air |
Although the reference states that water heaters and furnaces have similar heat providing designs, they are distinctly different in the medium they heat (water vs air).
