We take hot water for granted, as we can access it with just the turn of a knob or the push of a lever. It’s a modern convenience that makes life so much easier. Learn more about how water heating technology has evolved over the years.
Heating Water by Fire
For the middle class in ancient Roman and Greek civilization, heating water was difficult and time-consuming. Folks had to fill large and heavy tubs made of bronze or clay with water, and then they had to put these over open flames to heat. Those who were wealthier had it much easier. Upper-class households in Rome, for example, had hypocausts, which were systems that circulated warm air, to heat water as well as the rooms of their homes.
The First Residential Water Heaters
Water heaters resembling those that you see in homes today date back to the 1860s. During this time, English painter Benjamin Waddy Maughan created the Geyser, a device that heated water using a gas burner while it moved through pipes. Although this invention was incredible, it did not have the safety features that water heaters have today. Even so, it set the stage for modern gas models.
More improvements would not be made until 1889 in the United States. At this time, Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer, made further enhancements and created the first water heater that could store and heat water in a tank. These systems started appearing in many homes, and then the Ruud Manufacturing Company was born.
Mid-Century Advancements
Throughout the 20th century, more advancements would be made that would make water heaters safer. For example, electric models began appearing in homes in the 1950s. These systems heated the water via electric coils, and the storage tanks were better insulated compared to earlier models. Further improvements would be made to enhance energy efficiency in the 1970s, when the energy crisis took place.
The Rise of Tankless Technology
Now, in recent years, tankless technology has become popular. It was first used in Europe and Asia, and then it made its way to the U.S. Tankless water heaters are far more efficient because they heat water only when it is needed, instead of constantly heating water in a tank on standby. The hot water that they provide is practically endless, so folks can take long showers and baths without the worry of the water eventually running cold.
Smart Technology
Just like all the other devices and appliances in our lives, water heaters now contain smart technology. Homeowners can monitor usage and control various functions via an app installed on their smartphones and tablets, no matter where they are. These appliances are more environmentally friendly, as they contain technology that facilitates energy savings.
No matter the type of water heater you have in your home, you must maintain it regularly for it to continue to serve you well. Plumbers recommend scheduling yearly maintenance, as this provides a means for spotting and fixing problems before they become dire. For water heater maintenance in Oceano, CA, call Sargent’s Plumbing and Heating.
