Important Water Heating Terms and Calculations You Should Know
In general, using a water heater is very simple. You set the desired temperature on the unit, let it heat up, then turn on the faucet or shower to enjoy hot water. However, there are situations when things can get a little more complicated.
If you are in the market to buy a new water heater or need to have your current tank serviced, you might come across some information that is unfamiliar. Don’t worry because we have you covered with this quick reference for important water heating terms and calculations.
Common abbreviations:
- British Thermal Unit (BTU): measurement of heat energy – the amount of heat energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1ºF
- Pounds per square inch (PSI): measurement of pressure
- Kilowatt (kW): measurement of power equal to 1,000 watts
- Water column (WC): measurement of low-pressure gas systems
- Gallons per hour (GPH): measurement of volume for water flow rate
Water measurement conversations:
- 1 gallon = 8.33 pounds
- 1 gallon = 231 cubic inches
- 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons
- 1 cubic foot = 62.428 Pounds (at 39.2ºF – maximum density)
- 1 cubic foot = 59.83 Pounds (at 212ºF – boiling point)
- 1 foot of water column = .4333 PSI
Energy conversions:
- 1 kW = 3,412 BTUs
- 1 cubic foot of natural gas = 1,075 BTUs
- 1 cubic foot of propane = 2,570 BTUs
- 1 pound of gas = 28 inches WC
- 1 pound of gas = 16 ounces
- 1 therm = 100,000 BTUs
- 1 kW = 3,412 BTS per hour
Boiling points (at 0 PSI)
- Sea level (0 feet elevation) = 212ºF
- 1,000 elevation = 210ºF
- 2,000 elevation = 208ºF
- 3,000 elevation = 207ºF
- 4,000 elevation = 205ºF
- 5,000 elevation = 203ºF
- 6,000 elevation = 201ºF
- 7,000 elevation = 199ºF
Boiling points under pressure
- 0 PSI = 212ºF
- 10 PSI = 240ºF
- 20 PSI = 259ºF
- 30 PSI = 274ºF
- 40 PSI = 287ºF
- 50 PSI = 298ºF
Water expansion:
- Water expands 4.34% when heated from 40ºF to 212ºF
- Water expands 8% when frozen solid
Local plumbers in Schererville, Indiana.
As you can see, there is much more that goes into heating water for your home than turning a faucet handle.
We hope you found this information helpful. Of course, if you don’t want to worry about complicated terms and calculations yourself, you can always trust the expert team at Reichelt Plumbing. We are here to help with all your plumbing needs. Call us today at (219) 322-4906