Demystifying Water Heating Terminology with Ruud®

Homeowners can easily feel overwhelmed by the technical terms associated with water heaters. But don’t worry—Ruud® is here to simplify things! Back in 1889, Edwin Ruud changed the game by inventing the first automatic storage water heater. Today, Ruud® is still making waves in the industry. By learning a few key terms, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right water heater, reduce your utility costs, and make confident decisions. Let’s break down some common water heating terminology.

Electric Terms

• Dedicated Circuit – A circuit used exclusively by one appliance or electrical fixture. No other appliances share its power. The Ruud® ProTerra® Plug-in Heat Pump Water Heater uses this type of circuit.

• Shared Circuit – A circuit shared by multiple appliances without exceeding its rating. The Ruud® ProTerra®  Plug-in Heat Pump Water Heater with HydroBoost operates on this type of circuit.

Water Heater Types

• Electric Water Heater – Heats water using electric heating elements.

• Gas Water Heater – Uses a gas-fired burner to heat water within the unit.

• Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) – Transfers heat from the surrounding air to warm the water, functioning like a reverse refrigerator.

• Tank Water Heater – Stores hot water in an integrated tank for on-demand use.

• Tankless Water Heater – Heats water only when needed, eliminating the need for a storage tank.

  
  

Measurements

• BTU (British Thermal Unit) – The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F. Higher BTUs indicate faster heating and recovery.

• GPM (Gallons Per Minute) – The flow rate of hot water in gallons per minute, often used for tankless water heaters. Higher GPM means more hot water flow.

• Kilowatt (kW) – A measure of electricity usage, where 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.

• Recovery Rate – The speed at which the water heater replenishes hot water, measured in gallons.

• Therm – A measure of heat energy equivalent to 100,000 BTUs, typically used for gas or oil consumption.

• TE (Thermal Efficiency) – The percentage of heat input that is converted into useful output. A rating closer to 100% indicates higher efficiency.

• UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) – A metric for overall energy efficiency. Higher UEF values indicate greater efficiency.

  
  

Sustainability

• Decarbonization – Reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions. This is a key focus for Ruud® and industry leaders like the Department of Energy (DOE).

• Demand Response – The practice of shifting electricity usage to off-peak periods to maintain electric grid stability during high demand events.

• EnergyGuide® Label – The yellow sticker provided by the DOE on home appliances, showing estimated yearly energy use and operating costs.

• ENERGY STAR – A program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the DOE to help homeowners identify highly efficient products and encourage energy-saving practices.

We hope you found this guide useful! Start your journey to year-round comfort by finding a Ruud® professional in your area today.