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A simple water heater is more clever than it seems

55 videos recommended on HN
YouTube
1 HN user recommended this explainer1 month2023–2025 score 1
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026

Pointed to as a good, detailed explanation of how water heaters work and how to save power with them.

Technology Connections explains how an ordinary tank water heater works, including twin-element designs, and why it is cleverer than it looks.

“Technology Connections did a good video about them recently.” (HN, 2023)

1 recommendations · 2 citations · Explainers

3 Hacker News comments

From the HN archive; up to 20 kept per video, favoring different commenters. Recommendations first.

@pimlottc Sep 2023 Recommends
on HN thread Everyday Uses for PVC Water Pipe
The efficiency of hot water heaters is actually surprisingly good. A modern insulated tank retains heat very well. And it's more flexible for heating options since the water can be heated slowly over time. You can now get heat pump water heaters that are more efficient than tankless heaters. [0] Water heaters are actually pretty clever, in a low-tech sort of way. Technology Connections did a good video about them recently. [1] 0: [link] 1: [this video]
How tank water heaters cleverly work.

Citations, criticism and jokes

@hinkley Jan 2024 Cites it
on HN thread Harnessing heat from wastewater
The water heater is always refilling. Otherwise you’d have no hot water pressure. It’s just that the new water goes to the opposite end of the tank from where the output is attached. How twin heating element water heaters work: [this video]
Explains how twin element water heaters work.
@itopaloglu83 Nov 2025 Cites it
on HN thread Reservoir: Smart electric water heater
Technology Connections have a video about how water heaters work in detail and how much power can be saved by strategically turning them off when not needed. [this video] However, the website has some weird vibes as well, like why would you say something like below? > And some just want Dad Mode for when your teenager needs to finish that shower.
Details of water heaters and saving power by switching off.

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