Water Heaters
The way water heaters work is by heating the water from the bottom of the tank, where the heating elements are positioned. Due to cold water being denser, the hot water then rises to the top of the tank where it is then carried off to its destination. It is advised not to use all of the hot water too quickly, because if you are using more than the heating elements can keep up with you will run out in the middle of whatever you are using the water for, for instance a shower. Water heaters are fitted with an instrument known as a Thermostat, which acts to ensure the heat of the water in the tank never drops below a certain level (whatever it is set to). If it does, then the thermostat kicks in and powers the heating elements which then warm the water. The thermostat should be set to come on at specific times, when you are most likely to need hot water. By doing this, it lessens the chance that you will run out of hot water when you least want to.
All electric water heaters must be built with a TPR (Temperature Pressure Relief) valve, to [...]
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Filed under Water Heaters by on Nov 11th, 2007. Comment. 
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I recommend this easy and inexpensive solution to saving water, time, and energy; install a Hot Water Lobster instant hot water valve under the sink farthest form your water heater and you will have instant hot water throughout your entire home. It saves a lot of water that’s normally wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water. The savings in water and energy easily recoups the initial $179.95 purchase price! More impressive is the convenience of instant hot water!
The Hot Water Lobster uses no electricity and is pump free, so it creates no noise. It is made in the U.S.A., has a 10-year warranty, and can be easily installed in under 10 minutes.
Check it out at:
http://www.hotwaterlobster.com
Install a temper tank to preheat your water to room temperature and it will take less time and energy to recover your hot water. I also installed a heat recovery system consisting of a blower sending hot air over my temper tank. The hot air was from the area surrounding my oil hot water heater exhaust flue pipe (very hot!). Go to http://www.savehouseholdenergy.com/save-hot-water.html to see how I set this up. A fairly simple DIY project.