Is it a "hot water heater" or a "water heater"

Fubar411 · Feb 28, 2008

Had this going back and forth with a buddy at work (non-plumbing profession). He says it is wrong when people say "hot water heater" b/c you don't heat hot water. Makes sense. I argue it is a "hot water heater" because you have the hot water and the cold water sides of your plumbing system. The hot water has a heater, hense a hot water heater.

I did see a generac standby generator that boasted it provided enough to power your "hot water heater".

Thoughts or is this one of those already been discussed issues...

Chris75 · Feb 28, 2008

This is pretty dumb but anyways, what do you buy a water heater for? to heat hot water or cold water? its a water heater... in my stupid opinion.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

Squ1rrel · Feb 28, 2008

Well, by your arguement,Fubar, wouldn't it be a COLD water heater then, since the cold side of your plumbing does connect to your water heater, and it is cold water which is getting heated?

Gary Swart · Feb 28, 2008

It would be redundant to say it, but yes, it is a COLD water heater. Why would anyone want or need a HOT water heater?

Ron in SC · Feb 28, 2008

I used to refer to them as hot water tanks, since that's what they hold.

Herk · Feb 28, 2008

This question must pop up once a week.

For most people, there is no need to heat water that is already hot. So, in that sense, it would be a "cold water heater."

On the other, other hand: the product of the machine is hot water, and it works by heating it, so it really isn't too idiotic to call it a "hot water heater."

Construct30 · Feb 28, 2008

In our area they call them hot water tanks also, I guess because the water used to be heated with coal and then stored in the hot water tank, never really caught on to call them a water heater, old habits die hard.

Patrick88 · Feb 28, 2008

It is a water heater. It heats water. If it is cold water or if it is worm water it heats it.

Redwood · Feb 28, 2008

This is a hot water heater as it takes hot water and makes it hotter!
http://www.bradfordwhite.com/products2.asp?id=6&product_id=31

Cass · Feb 29, 2008

It is a water heater.

Its sole purpose, design and function is to heat water regardless of the incoming water temperature.

If the incoming water temp is higher than the thermostat setting it will do nothing until the temp drops enough...then it will heat water.

It is what it is.

Cookie · Feb 29, 2008

To the pros it is a water heater.
To the consumer and (some states) it is a hot water heater!

Redwood · Feb 29, 2008

If you really passionately care about this you need to get a life!

hj · Feb 29, 2008

heater

Initially, it is a cold water heater, but then it becomes a warm water heater, and finally it becomes a hot water heater, as the temperature of the water increases until it reachs the setting of the thermostat. Once that happens the energy is cut off and it stops heating. From then on as you use water from the tank, unless you drain all the heated water out of the tank, it becomes a "hot water heater" because the remaining water in the tank is already "hot", just not hot enough.

Cwhyu2 · Feb 29, 2008

water heater

we allways called them water heaters.

Fubar411 · Feb 29, 2008

Redwood said:
If you really passionately care about this you need to get a life!

...says the man who posts TWICE on the discussion!

Is it a "hot water heater" or a "water heater"

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