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A simple water heater is more clever than it seems

A simple water heater is more clever than it seems

Technology Connections
1 HN recommenders · discussed 2023–2025
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About this video

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

Why it appears in the archive

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

AI-generated summary and labels from the source dataset; verify important details against the video. Source & credits.

From the Hacker News discussion

pimlottc · 2023-09 · rec

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: [VIDEO]

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hinkley · 2024-01 · reference

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: [VIDEO]

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itopaloglu83 · 2025-11 · reference

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. [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.

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